Ridiculous History

The Bizarre Life of Elvis, Part One: From Poverty to Pop Stardom

Tue, 12 May 2026 15:06:30 +0000

How far would you fly for a sandwich? Decades after his death at just 42, Elvis Presley remains a global pop phenomenon. His short life was full of strange, ridiculous adventures... but how many of these stories are true, and how many are just modern folklore? In today's episode, the guys welcome the journalist Jordan Runtagh, co-creator of Too Much Information, for a special two-part series on the man, the myth, the legend: Elvis.

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CLASSIC:Hong Xiuquan: The Younger Brother of Jesus Christ Who Led a Bloody Rebellion in China

Sat, 09 May 2026 11:00:00 +0000

In this week's Classic episode: when the schoolteacher who would come to be called Hong Xiuquan first heard of the Christian religion, he wasn't particularly bowled over. However, when he had a nervous breakdown after failing his scholarly exams, he experienced a series of visions that he later believed revealed his true destiny: He was the younger brother of Jesus Christ, and he was meant to lead his followers to earthly and spiritual freedom. Tune in to learn how Hong Xiuquan's visions sparked one of the bloodiest rebellions in Chinese history.

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The Bizarre Saga of the Red Solo Cup

Thu, 07 May 2026 14:46:19 +0000

If you're from the United States, you'll instantly recognize the iconic red Solo cup. It's ubquitous at picnics, parties, sports events -- and often seen in TV shows and movies, so much so that the rest of the world covets these cups as "American souvenirs". So how on Earth did this humble cup rise from a public health product to an international symbol of all things American? In today's episode, Ben, Noel, and Max find out.

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The Day a Dalí Escaped From Prison

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:33:50 +0000

For decades, the infamous Rikers Island prison was home to a surprising artifact -- a drawing by none other than the world-renowned surrealist artist Salvado Dalí. At least, that is, until 2003... when a band of guards conspired to heist the drawing. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the bizarre story of crime, corruption, and fine art gone astray.

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CLASSIC: How Big Bill Speakman Fought Off North Korea With Beer Bottles

Sat, 02 May 2026 11:00:00 +0000

In this week's Classic episode: Bill Speakman, better known as the “Beer Bottle VC”, single-handedly took on a brigade of Chinese People’s Army Infantry in four hours of close-quarters combat. As he ran out of actual weapons, he began throwing beer bottles -- and, somehow, survived. Tune in to learn more about Big Bill Speakman, the Beer Bottle VC (and learn why he came to hate this nickname).

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A Ridiculous History of Potatoes, Part One: the Origin Story

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:19:26 +0000

Potatoes are amazing. While these sturdy little tubers may not seem immediately impressive, they're one of agricultural's biggest success stories. So, how did they grow from a domestic crop in South America to an absolute global phenomenon? In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max discover the origin of the potato -- and how a single French pharmacist launched a massive PR campaign to popularize spuds in Europe.

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CLASSIC: New Providence: That Time Pirates Had A Government

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Fellow Ridiculous Historians, we just returned from the beautiful Baha Mar resort, and we're going through a pirate phase. So, naturally, we have to share an hilarious Classic episode: the so-called Golden Age of Piracy was a time of lawless, terrifying, at-times amazing and objectively ridiculous history. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore a fascinating claim: Did some anti-authoritarian pirates really form their own government?

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When Did We All Start Saying "Bulls*t"?

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:00:06 +0000

Heads-up, fellow Ridiculous Historians: this is an explicit episode, and maynot be appropriate for all audiences. It's no secret that Ben, Noel and Max are huge fans of etymology -- and there's one word that's mystified them for years. When did the English world fall in love with the term "bullsh*t"? In today's episode, the guys discover this particular curse word has a suprisingly bizarre, murky backstory, and a lot of the proposed origins of bullsh*t are, themselves ... bullsh*t.

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The Ridiculous Truth About Pirates, Chapter Two: History's Most Successful Pirate Was A Woman

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:44:52 +0000

Live from the beautiful Baha Mar resort, Ben, Noel, Max and returning guest Matt dive into popular misconceptions about pirates. First, piracy was by no means restricted to the Caribbean. Second, not all successful pirates were dudes. In fact, as the guys discover in the second-part of this two-part series, history's wealthiest pirate was a Chinese woman named Zheng Yi Sao, or Chin Shih. As they arrive closer to the modern day, the guys discover another notorious Chinese pirate smack-dab in the middle of the Sino-Japanese war: a double, triple, maybe even quadruple maritime bandit known as Huang “Two Guns” Bamei.

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The Ridiculous Truth About Pirates, Chapter One: The Caribbean

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Fellow Ridiculous Historians, Ben, Noel and Max are back on their pirate obsession. In this special two-part series live from the legendary Baha Mar, the guys welcome returning guest Matt Frederick for a fascinating exploration of some of history's most ridiculous pirates. Stay tuned for the second part of the series later this week. No spoilers, but... there are some pirates you might not expect.

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CLASSIC: Teddy Roosevelt May Just Have Saved Modern (American) Football

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

In recent years the public has become increasingly aware of the long-term dangers posed by sports injuries -- but at the turn of the 20th century this wasn't the case. Football players didn't wear protective gear, and in 1905 alone more than 15 players died from game-related injuries. Universities were on the verge of banning football entirely. President Roosevelt, himself a life-long fan of the sport, knew something must be done. Listen in to learn how the 26th President of the US may just have saved modern football.

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Eurovision, Chapter Two: Pop Music as Problematic Diplomacy

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:44:15 +0000

Now, we know this is going to sound weird, but... it turns out one of the world's most popular pop music contests is also one of the world's best examples of 'soft diplomacy'. So what happens when countries that hate each other get together to determine the year's best song? Spoiler: it gets ridiculous. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max continue their obsession with the Eurovision Song Contest.

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Eurovision, Chapter One: A Ridiculous Origin Story -- and A Smash Success

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:51:04 +0000

The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most popular talent shows on the planet, with multiple countries showcasing their culture through pop music spectacles in an effort to win the day. Some of the songs are utter bangers, some become one-hit wonders, and others are downright... bizarre. Looking at you, Irish puppet turkey. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the surprising origin story of Eurovision, along with some of its more controversial aspects.

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CLASSIC: Prohibition, Prescriptions and the Rise of 'Medicinal' Booze

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

From 1920 to 1933, the United States was, technically speaking, a dry country. The National Prohibition Act made the manufacture, transport and sale of alcohol illegal for the vast majority of the population. However, there were several loopholes available for the enterprising alcohol enthusiast -- and doctors quickly realized they could make loads of cash prescribing booze for medicinal purposes. Join the guys as they explore the rise and fall of the medicinal alcohol industry.

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Fort Sauerkraut: North Dakota’s Strange, Ill-Planned Origin Story

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

As the gang gets ever closer to finally completing their mission to do an episode on every state in the United States, they arrive at North Dakota. While North Dakota remains one of the nation's least populated states, it's still chock-full of Ridiculous History. And, as Ben, Noel and Max discover in today's episode, the bizarre tale of Fort Sauerkraut may be one of the strangest ones out there.

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The Bizarre Tale of the 1909 Catnip Riot

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:44:09 +0000

Here's one for the cat lovers: Does your feline friend absolutely love catnip? If you have a cat with the right sensitivities, this stuff completely rocks their world. They'll go nuts for it, rolling around in the stuff, chewing it, drooling in a stupor and so on. In today's episode -- inspired by a listener suggestion -- Ben, Noel and Max dive into the ridiculous story of a get-rich-quick catnip scheme, when a New York peddler down on his luck tried to sell catnip door to door... and caused a full-on cat riot in the process.

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CLASSIC: Did Robert E. Lee hate Confederate Memorials?

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

In this week's Classic episode, the guys return to a strange, oft-overlooked aspect of the Civil War. From 1861 to 1865, the United States of America was a country divided. More than a century later, it remains America's bloodiest war. After the cessation of conflicts and the surrender of the Confederate army, General Robert E. Lee found himself constantly approached to endorse numerous different memorials, statues and other structures. There was just one problem -- he apparently hated them.

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IQ Tests are (Kind of) Dumb

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:10:30 +0000

Have you ever taken an IQ test? Originally envisioned as a way to determine which French children should be locked in asylums, Alfred Binet's attempt to quantify human intelligence took the modern world by storm. Yet, as Ben, Noel and Max ask in this follow-up to lead exposure: How accurate are the IQ tests? Are they genuinely accurate, or, ironically enough... their own sort of dumb?

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Did Lead Lead to the Fall of the Roman Empire?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:25:52 +0000

Don't do lead, kids! Nowadays everyone knows the dangers this substance poses to humans -- especially children in their formative years -- but back in the day, lead was everywhere. Ancient Rome was riddled with the stuff, using lead in everything from pipes, to smelting, to cutlery, pottery and wine. It's tough to know just how much lead the average person encountered, but breathing the lead-filled air alone may have dropped children's IQs by up to three points. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max discover a fascinating, controversial theory: that Rome didn't fall due to war and economic troubles... but instead, the empire toppled because everyone slowly became dumber and dumber.

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CLASSIC: California Schoolchildren and the Great Squirrel War

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

In this week's Classic episode: In 1918, as the planet was consumed by World War I, the government of California found itself combating an unexpected and catastrophic enemy: Ground squirrels. The rodents were wreaking havoc across the countryside, consuming crops left and right. State horticulture commissioner George H. Hecke proposed an unorthodox solution -- enlist schoolchildren in a statewide massacre of all ground squirrels. Oddly enough, it worked.

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Don’t Be a Schmo Yo, Try a Yoyo!

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:34:58 +0000

Most people think of yo-yos as a fun, old-school toy for kids: a pretty simple, clever device leveraging physics with a string and a weight. Yet as Ben, Noel and Max discover in today's episode, the story of the humble dates back into antiquity -- and the story of its evolution is riddled with ridiculous ups and downs.

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The Ridiculous Secret of "Supreme" Pizza

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

The results are in: pretty much everyone loves pizza... but what doth a pizza make varies from place to place. Obsessed with a game-changing message from a former pizzaiolo on the inside, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the delicious (and arguably disturbing) conspiracy of what makes a pizza "supreme".

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CLASSIC: When West Virginia Begged the USSR for Foreign Aid

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

In this week's Classic episode: Were it not for the coal mine, the town of Vulcan, West Virginia may well have never existed. As a rural and geographically isolated community, Vulcan relied on a single, small bridge for its connection to the larger world. When the bridge failed, the town repeatedly tried to get financial assistance from the local and state government -- with no success. In a state of increasing desperation, the Mayor of Vulcan wrote the Soviet Union for help... during the Cold War. Tune in and learn what happened next.

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Knitting as Espionage, Part Two: Legendary Spies -- and One Traitor

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:24:24 +0000

Espionage takes many forms. As Ben, Noel and Max learned in the first part of this two-part series, one of those forms was knitting. In today's episode, the guys explore the stories of phenomenal spies who used knitting as a form of top-secret communication.

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Knitting as Espionage, Part One: Secrets in the Stitch

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:57:43 +0000

For a lot of folks in the modern day, knitting is more a relaxing hobby than a household necessity. However, not too long ago, this needlecraft was a genuine -- and effective! -- tool for spies. In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the fascinating history of knitting as espionage.

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CLASSIC: Idiomatic for the People II, Part II

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Language is beautiful and, in many cases, continually evolving. As a result, we end up with hundreds of strange idioms and figures of speech that we use on a daily basis, with little to no understanding of what they originally meant. Join Ben and Noel with special guests Frank Mulherin and Rowan Newbie, the creator of the Pitches podcast, as they explore the bizarre origins of your favorite turns of phrase in this Classic episode.

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Inventors Who Died Due To Their Own Inventions: The Irrational Death of Hippasus

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

We all know pi, right? It's one of the most famous 'irrational numbers' in history, and mathematicians are still trying to figure it out in the modern day. While this may seem arcane to some of us non-mathheads, in today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max learn these numbers were3 once such a big deal that legends say folks got murdered for discovering them. Tune in to learn the harrowing tale of Hippasus, a Pythagorean cultist who discovered irrational numbers -- and, in doing so, pissed off the Gods so much that they drowned him.

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The Spiritualism Movement Was Utterly Ridiculous, Part Two: Con Artists, Skeptics, and Ghosts

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

As the Fox sisters became global superstars for their purported ability to speak with the dead, the Spiritualism movement became both a social phenomena and a booming business. Yet along with the rise of true believers and performing psychics, an army of skeptics and investigators rose as well... and the questions they asked eventually brought the entirety of the movement down. Join Ben, Noel, Max and returning special guest Jonathan Strickland (aka The Quizster) for the second part of this special two-part episode.

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CLASSIC: Idiomatic for the People II, Part I: What's in a word?

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Language is beautiful and, in many cases, continually evolving. As a result, we end up with hundreds of strange idioms and figures of speech that we use on a daily basis, with little to no understanding of what they originally meant. Join the guys with special guests Frank Mulherin and Rowan Newbie, the creator of the Pitches podcast, as they explore the bizarre origins of your favorite turns of phrase in this week's Classic episode.

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The Spiritualism Movement Was Utterly Ridiculous, Part One: A Prank Goes Viral

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:21:00 +0000

It's a pickle for the ages: What happens when you die? The Spiritualism movement may seem obscure today -- but back in the mid-19th century, this religious and social phenomenon absolutely rocked the modern world. In the first part of this special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max welcome back Jonathan Strickland (aka the Quizster) to explore the rise of this movement... and Jonathan promises to behave.

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History's Weirdest National Anthems

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Let's be honest: national anthems are cool... but definitely propaganda, and often objectively weird. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore some of history's strangest national anthems. Some are inspiring, some are plain odd -- and, as the guys learn, a lot of national anthems change over time.

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CLASSIC: The Statue of Liberty Almost Lived in Egypt

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Today the Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous landmarks in the United States -- but it almost didn't make it to Ellis Island. Join the Ben and Noel as they explore the strange story of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and his quest to build this iconic monument in this week's classic episode.

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Vacuum Cleaners are Ridiculous!

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Did you know over 90% of US households own a vacuum cleaner? These handy-dandy descendents of the carpet sweeper revolutionized the cleaning game... but where did they come from? As Ben, Noel and Max discover in today's episode, your humble vacuum is the result of centuries' worth of wild ideas -- and more than a few crazily ambitious inventors, as well.

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The Ridiculously Adorable, Feminist History of Kewpie Dolls

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:15:00 +0000

When illustrator and novelist Rose O'Neill first debuted the Kewpie cartoons in 1909, these loveable little characters took the world by storm. Yet O'Neill didn't stop there. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max learn the surprisingly inspiring and feminist story of the Kewpie doll as a crucial aspect of women's rights in the United States.

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CLASSIC: Agent Garbo: The Strange Tale of the Man Who Saved D-Day

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000

When Juan Pujol first volunteered to spy for the British during World War II, they didn’t take him seriously. That all changed when he got a gig spying for the German government. Listen to learn the story of one of World War II’s most successful double agents.

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The Most-hated Condiment? A Ridiculous History of Mayonnaise

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Often called "the thick, creamy bastard child of oil and eggs" (well, called that at least once by Ben), mayonnaise remains one of the world's most divisive condiment. But where did it come from? In today's continuing Ridiculous History of condiments, Ben, Noel and Max get to the bottom of the case. Or jar. You get it!

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The Gang Goes To Waffle House

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:47:53 +0000

In a small suburb of Atlanta back in the 1950s, two men hatched an amazing concept: a restaurant that never closes. In today's episode, the guys explore the origin story of Georgia's most mythical restaurant: Waffle House.

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CLASSIC: The War of the Stray Dog: How Far Would You Go For Your Pet?

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000

After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, it didn't take the newly-independent nations of Greece and Bulgaria long to begin bickering over their borders. Throughout the early 1920s, small bands of peasants from both countries routinely crossed the border to steal livestock, damage property and harass locals. This untenable situation reached a breaking point in 1925, when a Greek border guard was fatally shot while crossing into Bulgaria to retrieve his dog (who had strayed away on dog business). This single incident sparked a cavalcade of chaos that eventually caught the attention of the League of Nations.

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Ancient Wonders of the Modern World: the Lighthouse of Alexandria

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Ptolemy II was known for a lot of things, none of which involved being humble. In the newest installment of this continuing series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the ridiculous story of the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

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People Knew the Earth Was Round Way Earlier Than You Think

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:06:45 +0000

So many people grew up hearing the myth that Columbus proved the Earth was round. It's a great story— but it's also utter bunk! In today's episode, Ben and Max get to the bottom of this ridiculous tale, and learn how most of civilization knew the Earth was round way earlier than those old school textbooks would have you believe.

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CLASSIC: The Tragic Origin Story of Morse Code

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000

The telegraph and the communication system known as Morse code revolutionized the way we transmit information, but how did it get here? Join the guys as they explore the tragic life and time of Samuel Morse in this week's Classic episode.

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The Secret World Of Roald Dahl, with Aaron Tracy, Part Two: the Man Behind the Author

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:26:20 +0000

A beloved children's author. A spy. An ace fighter pilot, a notorious lady's man, and a strident antisemite: Roald Dahl was all these things and more. In the second part of this special two-part interview, the guys welcome back Aaron Tracy, the award-winning creator of The Secret World of Roald Dahl, to learn more about the man behind the author -- and get a few tips about writing along the way.

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The Secret World Of Roald Dahl, Part One: A "Noisy" Life

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Nowadays, most everyone knows a classic Roald Dahl story — yet who knows the man himself? In the first part of this special two-part interview, the guys welcome Aaron Tracy, the award-winning creator of The Secret World of Roald Dahl, as he blasts beyond the bluster of headlines and hedgerows of civility— exposing, for better or worse, the true life of one of the world's most beloved authors.

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CLASSIC: Operation Gunnerside: How a Crew of Military Skiers Ruined the Nazi Bomb

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000

What's the weirdest wartime heist you've ever heard of? In today's Classic episode, Ben, Noel and Max return to one of their favorites: On February 27, 1942, nine saboteurs set out in the middle of the night to blow up a Nazi-controlled heavy water plant in Norway. This operation was as crucial as it was complicated -- if the plant continued to function, the Nazis very well may have been able to construct an atomic bomb. Tune in to learn exactly how the commandos glided in and, eventually, skied away.

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The Thai Restaurant Conspiracy

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:46:39 +0000

Despite being a relatively small country, the South East Asian nation of Thailand is famous across the planet for its unique, delectable cuisine. Heck, nowadays in the United States almost everyone is just a stone's throw away from a Thai restaurant -- so, how did we get here? Why are Thai restaurants suddenly everywhere? As Ben, Noel and Max discover in today's episode: this massive success is the result of a genuine (and delicious) conspiracy.

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The Ridiculous History of Ping Pong

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:54:14 +0000

Whether you call it table tennis, whiff-whaff or ping pong, there's no denying this fun sport of "tennis for the home" has become a global phenomenon. But where did it come from? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max find out.

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CLASSIC: How far did Isaac Newton go to hunt down forgers?

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Today, Isaac Newton is best known for his scientific pursuits -- but he also served as Warden and, later, Master of the Royal Mint. And this wasn't some sort of honorary position, either: Newton took his job of hunting down forgers seriously, and may have even bent (or broken) the law in his quest to arrest and hang his archnemesis, the counterfeiting kingpin William Chaloner.

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A Ridiculous Love Letter to Atari, Part Two: a Rise, a Fall, and a Legacy

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:02:16 +0000

Oof! Atari! As our producer Max likes to say, 'it was a thing.' In the second part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the pioneering rise of Atari, corporate overtake, and the final words of its founder.

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A Ridiculous Love Letter to Atari, Part One: From Pings to Pongs

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:09:33 +0000

Nowadays most people either play video games, or know someone who does -- yet this wasn't always the case. As civilization skyrockets toward gaming experiences that feel increasingly immersive (and, in some cases, inseperable from reality), Ben, Noel and Max pay homage to the crew that started it all: a scrappy, legendary outfit called "Atari".

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What makes a word a 'word'?

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 18:22:17 +0000

Words are everywhere -- and we're grateful, because we can't do this show without them. But all words were, at some point, just made up. So how does society decide what counts as a "real" word? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the history of language, and the oddly specific systems dictionaries put in place to decide whether a given word or phase is legitimate.

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CLASSIC: How Admiral Horatio Nelson Ended Up Dead in a Barrel of Brandy

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Naval legend Admiral Nelson died on October 21st, 1805 shortly after being shot by a French sniper while standing on the deck his ship, Victory. Following the British victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, the survivors of the conflict were left with a dilemma -- how could they preserve Nelson's body long enough for the corpse to receive an appropriate burial back home?

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The Rise (and Crash) of the Concorde Jet

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 22:21:10 +0000

What if you could hop from France to New York in less than four hours? Traveling twice the speed of sound, with caviar, lobster, champagne and cigars? This was the pitch of the Concorde jet -- a revolutionary, utterly ridiculous and brilliant craft that promised to fundamentally change air travel. Spoiler: it's not around anymore. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max figure out why.

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CLASSIC: English Men Used to Sell Their Wives

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:57:41 +0000

In late 17th-century England, it was almost impossible for anyone outside of the upper class to successfully get a divorce -- the process was expensive and required approval from both the church and the government. As a result, some couples agreed to end their unhappy marriages through a bizarre practice known as 'wife selling'. And, unfortunately, it's exactly what it sounds like.

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A Ridiculous History of "Fad Diets," Part Two: Beverly Hills, Scarsdale and More

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:13:23 +0000

As the Western world embarks on 2026, Ben, Max and Noel welcome everyone's New Year's resolutions. (Here's hoping that gym schedule continues through February!) In celebration of a "New Year, New Me" mentality, the boys return to the Ridiculous History of Fad Diets.

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CLASSIC: How Louisiana Almost Became a Hippo Ranching Hub

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:40:56 +0000

Nowadays beef, chicken and pork are the most common meats in the US -- but, not so long ago, that could have all changed. Join the guys as they travel back to the early 1900s, when Louisiana congressman Robert Broussard proposed an unorthodox solution to the nation's crippling meat shortage: the introduction of African Hippopotamuses to Gulf Coast swamplands. What convinced Broussard that the world's deadliest land mammal could become America's next culinary craze? Tune in to find out.

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CLASSIC: Who was the highest paid athlete in history?

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Today, most people probably don't remember the career of once-famous charioteer Gaius Appuleius Diocles -- however, in his day we was a cultural icon, one of the most famous athletes in Rome. Join the guys as they explore the story Diocles and trace one professor's quest to figure out exactly how much cash Diocles made in modern terms.

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Unplugged: Adventures from MTV to Timbuktu, with Tom Freston

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Happy New Year! It's no secret that MTV fundamentally changed the nature of media and entertainment. But how did it actually get started? What made the world so obsessed with the concept of "Music Television"? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max get to learn the true origin story of MTV from none other than the legendary co-founder, Tom Freston. As an author, a businessman, a philanthropist and a world traveller, Tom shares not only his origin story ... but, get this: he also gives the guys some insider tips on how to pursue a life worth living (and pitches a wild idea to get them promoted).

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CLASSIC: The Weird Life of George Washington, Part 2

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Join Ben, Noel, Casey and returning guest Christopher Hassiotis as they continue exploring the strange life and times of George Washington in the second part of this two-part series. Listen in to learn more about Washington's weird hair routine, his bizarre, lifelong medical issues, and his family's troubling history in early America.

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CLASSIC: The Weird Life of George Washington, Part 1

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Returning special guest Christopher Hassiotis joins the guys today for a round-robin discussion of the very weird life of George Washington, first President of the United States. (As you may have guessed from the title, there's more weirdness than we could fit in a single episode.)

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Folks, We're Doing A Clip Show: Leftovers, 2025

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Hey there, Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. Ben, Noel and Max here: as we travel to hang with our friends and family, we like to do a little thing at the end of the year where we explore various tangents and trivia we didn't get to in our first run of a show. So, as you're hugging or dodging your own family -- and just maybe having some adventures with your cousins -- join us for a wild ride through the history of hair spray, inventors who accidentally died due to their own inventions, a load of holiday banter, and so much more. (Ben here: by "so much more," I mean, like, two other things.)

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CLASSIC: Clara, The World's Most Famous Rhinoceros

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 21:08:20 +0000

For centuries most people in Europe thought of rhinos as another form of mythical creature, like unicorns or griffins. However, this all changed when an enterprising sea captain brought a young, orphaned rhino named Clara back to his home country after his travels abroad. It's often said that fame can have a powerful effect on the average human being, but how does it affect rhinos? Join the guys and special guest Katie Goldin, host of the podcast Creature Feature, as they unravel the mystery.

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Was 536 Really the Worst Year in History?

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the end of the year, fellow Ridiculous Historians! As Ben, Noel and Max look back on the events of 2025, they discovered historians do, in fact, have one year singled out as "the worst year in human history." But... why? Join the guys as they explore how DXXXVI absolutely wrecked Europe, the Middle East and Asia -- with consequences that reverberate in the modern day.

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Christmas Traditions Are So Incredibly Weird!

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

What's the strangest Christmas tradition you practice? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max ring in the end of the year with an exploration of Christmas celebrations across the world -- and speculate on inventing a few of their own.

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The Grim Christmas Folklore of Johnny Ace, with Jake Brennan

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:55:35 +0000

While the career of rhythm-and-blues vocalist Johnny Ace was short, he left a huge mark on the music world. Up until Christmas Day of 1954, Ace seemed set to reach genuine crossover success in pop music -- until, that is, he met his untimely end during an ill-fated game of Russian Roulette. At least, that's the legend. Yet as special guest Jake Brennan, the creator of the hit podcast Disgraceland, reveals: there's much more to the story. Tune in as Jake and the gang explore a strange, disturbing Christmas mystery.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disgraceland/id1275172907
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HeA7PGBai6TQrZLOLzcEi?si=6362c868e1da4ad6

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CLASSIC: How the Monopoly Board Game Became a World War II Escape Kit

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Ben, Noel and Max return with this week's Classic episode! Monopoly is a pretty divisive game, and people tend to either love it or hate it. However, for hundreds of Allied POWs captured during World War II, Monopoly became more than a mere diversion -- it became, instead, their ticket to freedom. Join the guys as they explore the strange sequence of events that led the UK to turn Monopoly into a real-life escape kit.

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That Time the US Government Brainwashed America into DIY Bomb Shelters

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:35:07 +0000

Picture this: it's just after World War II -- the world knows nuclear weapons can end civilization. So, how can a government help the public feel safe? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the ridiculous history of that time Uncle Sam tried to make the public build cartoonishly bad fallout shelters.

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CLASSIC: Idiomatic For The People, Part I

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Language is beautiful and, in many cases, continually evolving. As a result, we end up with hundreds of strange idioms and figures of speech that we use on a daily basis, with little to no understanding of what they originally meant. Join the guys and special guest, Rowan Newbie, the creator of the Pitches podcast, as they explore the bizarre origins of your favorite turns of phrase. (Ben here, with a bonus question: I went through and noted multiple turns of phrase we all used unintentionally - how many can you catch?)

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Spontaneous Human Combustion: A Bizarre Controversy

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 19:46:54 +0000

Can people really just, for no discernable reason, catch on fire? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the centuries old folklore and investigations of a phenomenon known as "spontaneous human combustion" -- and discover the debate continues, even in the modern day.

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IP, Part Three: A Copyright for Everyone!

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:41:55 +0000

As Ben, Noel and Max close out another year of Ridiculous History, they return to the patently baffling world of intellectual property. In part three of this series, the guys finally tackle one of the weirdest concepts out there -- a thoroughly confusing thing called a 'copyright'. What is it? Where did this idea come from, how does it work... and what exactly does it protect? Tune in to learn more.

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CLASSIC: Was there a real-life Rapunzel?

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Most people in the West are familiar with the old Rapunzel fairy tale -- a beautiful princess is confined to a tower until a prince, captivated by her beauty, uses her hair as a ladder and comes to her rescue. But where did this story come from, exactly? Tune in to learn more in today's Classic episode from 2019.

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Ridiculous Maps: That Time Everyone Thought California Was An Island

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Nowadays, pretty much anyone can easily find an accurate map of a city, a country, or the entire world. But this wasn't always the case. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore baffling cartography of old, when well-intentioned mapmakers, working with the best info they had at the time, often got things wrong. Our first episode in this continuing series: that time everyone thought California was an island.

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The Chicago Tylenol Murders

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

For most people, Tylenol is nothing more than an ol' stand-by, over-the-counter pain reliever. Yet, as Ben, Noel and Max learn in today's episode -- this wasn't always the case. Today's episode takes the boys to 1980s Chicago, when a ghoulish series of still-unsolved murders rocked the pharmaceutical industry, and led to the creation of tamper-proof packaging.

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CLASSIC: Benjamin Franklin's Advice On "Finding A Mistress"

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Founding Father Benjamin Franklin was a man of many interests, but his endeavors were by no means limited to technical innovation, philosophy and politics. In fact, throughout his life he had a reputation as an irredeemable lech -- literally, in later years, a dirty old man -- and his exploits were common knowledge on both sides of the Atlantic. He himself did not shy away from these accusations, and records show he even advised his younger friends on affairs, marriage, sex and romance. But was his famous 1745 letter "Advice to a Young Man on the Choice of a Mistress" meant as sincere advice, or satire?

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Wait! Can a tree really own itself?

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Do you have a favorite tree? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max head over to the famous college town of Athens, Georgia where -- legend has it -- one guy was so enamored with his childhood oak that he ultimately deeded it to itself. How much of the story is true? Can a tree really "own itself"?

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Doc Holliday Was, In Fact, A Deadly Dentist

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Longtime listeners are well-aware that the history of the 'Wild West' is more than a bit... embellished. Yet a grain of truth exists at the heart of almost every legend, and the story of Doc Holliday is no different. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max learn more about Tombstone's breakout star -- and how, if things were just a little different, he may have lived a happy, peaceful life as a dentist.

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CLASSIC: What does "Idaho" actually mean?

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Idaho was the 43rd state admitted to the Union, and today it's well-known for potatoes, mining, and stunning forests -- but, even in the modern day, Idaho is home to a surprising mystery: What does its name actually mean? Join the guys as they explore the ridiculous origin story of Idaho's name in this week's Classic episode.

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The Ridiculous History of Dog Food

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Here on Ridiculous History, we are avowedly pro-dog. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into a strange evolution of slave, to companion, to family member, tracing the evolution of dog food as it blossoms into a multi-billion dollar marketing phenomenon (and one heck of a grift).

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Bir Tawil: The Ridiculous Tale of "Earth's Worst Real Estate"

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Land! Historically speaking, it's a pretty popular thing. In fact, a great deal of human conflict is based upon fighting over real estate -- yet, as Ben, Noel and Max discover in today's episode, in at least one case there's a piece of the world no nation wants. For well over a century, Egypt and Sudan have both been fighting over who controls Bir Tawil... and both of them want the other country to own it.

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CLASSIC: Uncle Sam Tried to End World War II With Bat Bombs

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Folks, we are phenomenally excited about this week's Classic episode. It sounds like something straight out of the cave beneath Bruce Wayne's Manor, but thanks to the passion of a part-time inventor named Lytle Adams, the United States military really did spend millions attempting to arm bats with incendiary devices and launch them -- real-life bat bombs -- across Japanese cities. Here's the weird thing: It could have actually worked.

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The Deliciously Ridiculous History of Fruitcakes

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Let's be honest. If you live in the United States, you probably think fruitcake is ridiculous. It's like the MRE of Christmas, passed around from one family to the next. But what makes it so resilient? How, out of all the cakes in the world,did fruitcake become a thing -- and why does it remain with us today?

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The Ridiculous History of the "Ice Cream Sundae"

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

For fans of sweet, frozen sweets, there's nothing as perfect as ice cream. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max scoop into a bizarrely niche controversy: Who actually invented the 'Ice Cream Sundae,' and why on Earth is it spelled 'Sundae,' rather than 'Sunday'? Ben here: we do figure it out, and history is super weird. Thanks for tuning in!

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Zombies, Part Two: The Movies!

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:51:54 +0000

On the shambling heels of their recent episode exploring the bizarre legendary origins of zombies, Ben, Noel and Max dive headfirst into the cinematic side of the undead: zombie movies. As they discover in today's episode, the film version of zombies or the walking dead has become increasingly distinct from the original folklore version -- and this may have been more a result of social commentary than of any single director's vision.

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CLASSIC: The American Soldiers Who Defected to North Korea and Became Movie Stars

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this weekend's Classic episode, Ben quizzes Max on his dreams of being a director, ultimately asking: What would the average person do to become famous? Often described as one of the most isolated countries in the world, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has been ruled by the Kim dynasty since 1948. And while most reports of defectors focus on harrowing stories of North Koreans escaping to freedom in China or South Korea, a handful of people actually traveled in the other direction, defecting to North Korea. Listen in to learn more about the strange journeys American soldiers took, away from the military and straight to the forefront of North Korea's film industry.

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Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Temple of Artemis

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:49:29 +0000

It's no secret that the Wonders of the Ancient World were pretty... wonderful -- yet also pretty mischaracterized. In today's episode, Ben, Noel, and Super Producer Max explore the phenonemal Temple of Artemis, which was built not once, not twice, but three separate times before it ultimately disappeared.

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That Time Everyone Loved Radium: What Could Go Wrong?

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:04:45 +0000

Fellow Ridiculous Historians, we all know the inspiring and tragic story of Marie Curie -- however, not everyone is familiar with the absolute boom in radium-associated merchandise, which took the world by storm before the public understood the dangers of radiation. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into a bizarre tale of capitalism, marketing, and consequence: let's call this parable 'The Radium Era.'

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CLASSIC: How a Broken Toilet Foiled a German Sub

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Toward the end of World War II, the German Type VIIC submarine was acknowledged to be one of the most advanced -- and deadliest -- predators on the seas. Yet, in at least one case, some of the same technological breakthroughs that made these subs astonishing also led to their demise. Join the guys as they dive (get it?) into the strange story of U-1206 and the high-tech toilet that led to its doom.

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CLASSIC: Creature Feature: The Dark Tetrad

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000

It's the weekend! Time to get outdoors, enjoy nature... and, honestly, watch out for crazy animals. Join the guys in this Classic episode as they make an appearance on Creature Feature, the podcast that takes a critter’s eye view to explore how animal behavior parallels the behavior of humans. In this episode, Katie Goldin and the guys explore the dark tetrad in the animal world, ultimately answering the age old question: Who's the most prolific serial meow-derer?

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CLASSIC: Gustaf Broman Tried to Cross the Atlantic in a Canoe . . . Or Did He?

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 15:11:31 +0000

Ben here: Noel and I are sailing the seas this week -- wish us luck! Luckily, our Super Producer Max is holding it down with some of our favorite Classic episodes. Here's one I especially enjoyed from 2019, all about strange ocean travels: "In 1895, Gustaf Broman announced he would sail across the Atlantic in a 13-foot-long sailboat crafted from a cedar log. His route had an odd beginning -- he planned to start at Oregon, sail down to California, then put the boat on rails and ride it up to New York before finally reaching the Atlantic. Additionally, his log boat was anything but seaworthy. Some 4000 people gathered to watch Broman embark... but, eventually, his past came to light, and people began to wonder whether there was more to the story. (I mean, obviously there was. That's why we're doing a show about it.)"

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CLASSIC: The Weird, Surprisingly Recent Origin of the Tooth Fairy

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Ben here: Noel and I are sailing the seas this week -- wish us luck! Luckily, our Super Producer Max is holding it down with some of our favorite Classic episodes. Here's one for all the kids scared of dentists: "For millions of kids in the West, the story is as mysterious as it is profitable: Once your baby teeth begin falling out, hide them beneath your pillow. Sometime in the night, the Tooth Fairy will retrieve the tooth, leaving you some cash -- perhaps spare change, perhaps as much as twenty dollars -- to thank you for your gift. So where does this idea come from? Join the guys as they explore the strange, surprisingly recent origin of the Tooth Fairy. (And parents, if you're listening with your kids, be warned: This episode does include spoilers.)"

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CLASSIC: When Vikings Loot The Wrong Town

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Ben here: we're out on the high seas this week -- true story! While we're away, we're sharing some of our favorite Classic episode. Here's one we absolutely loved, and travel-related: "Like many Viking leaders, Halfdan and Bjorn wanted to be known for their fearlessness in battle and their ability to locate the finest spoils -- they wanted the community to tell stories of their valor for generations to come. Their father Ragnar built a name for himself raiding Paris, so they wanted to kick things up a notch and raid an even more prominent city: Rome. However, there was one small problem with their plan."

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CLASSIC: Were Tulips Really The Bitcoin of the 1600s?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:48:15 +0000

In the 1600s, residents of the Dutch Republic were -- according to the story -- absolutely bonkers for tulips. A market sprang up around the tulip trade, and people began paying in advance for tulip bulbs, negotiating increasingly extravagant financial agreements and, in some cases, even using tulips as currency. This Tulipmania is often presented as the first economic boom and bust... but how accurate is that claim? What really happened? Join Ben and Noel as they separate the fact from fiction.

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CLASSIC: (Some of) History's Dumbest Military Prototypes

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000

As Ben and Noel hit the high seas, they're celebrating with a special week of their favorite Classics. It's true that the world's militaries often pioneer technological innovation -- but don't let all those great successes fool you! The world's militaries have at least as many failures as they do breakthroughs. Join Ben, Noel and special guest Christopher Hassiotis as they explore some of humanity's most hilarious military missteps, from round ships to rocket bullets and ball tanks.

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The Dumbest Mobster Ever Tried To Steal Ruby Slippers

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000

There are few pieces of film history more iconic than Dorothy's magic ruby slippers from 1939's The Wizard of Oz. Yet, at first, the studio had no idea how valuable these would become. The multiple pairs of slippers languished in obscurity until costume department worker named Kent Warner launched a mission to save them. Yet the story doesn't stop there: as Ben, Noel and Max learn in today's episode, one of history's dumbest mobsters actually stole the shoes... because he mistakenly believed they were covered in actual rubies.

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The Ridiculously Disturbing History of North Korea

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:39:15 +0000

As one of the most isolated countries on the planet, it's no surprise the Democratic People's Republic of Korea remains mysterious in the modern day. So, how did it become a thing? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the bizarre origin story of the "Hermit Kingdom," a totalitarian regime that is somehow both Communist and an absolute theocracy.

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CLASSIC: The Forty Elephants: London’s All-Female Jewel Thieves

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000

For at least 200 years, part of London’s criminal underground was ruled by a gang of brilliant, all-female jewel thieves. In this week's classic episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the rise and fall of the notorious Forty Elephants.

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Disco Balls are Ridiculous, and We Love Them

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:44:14 +0000

Human history is absolutely riddled with ridiculous inventions. Some are cartoonishly specific. Others, like the disco ball, serve no purpose other than amusement -- and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the dazzling (get it?) history of the 'myriad reflector.'

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The Truth About "Zombies"

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:01:46 +0000

As summer turns and fall begins, Ridiculous History officially enters the most wonderful time of the year. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the legend of a specific kind of 'living dead' -- the zombie. According to the stories, a zombie is a cadaver reanimated through evil magic, and cursed to obey the commands of a powerful bokor (sorceror). Yet is this only a tall tale? Or, just maybe... is there a grain of truth to this grisly lore?

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CLASSIC: The Malleus Maleficarum: A Real-life Witch Hunter's Bible

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0000

During Europe's period of witchcraft hysteria, one enterprising (and failed) witch hunter sought to bolster his reputation by creating an authoritative text on the existence, discovery and persecution of witches. While it may seem silly now, the Malleus Maleficarum was a runaway success, with thousands of copies inundating European society even while various officials warned against treating it as a reliable source. Join Ben, Noel and Casey as they learn more about The Hammer of the Witches.

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How the Kentucky Derby Became a Thing

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 15:15:42 +0000

We’ve all been there, right? You wake up one day, and you say: “You know what? Forget work! It’s so nice outside. I want to put on a fancy hat, watch a bunch of horses run around in a circle, and gamble. Like they do in Europe.” In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max learn how the volatile, ambitious Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. created a little something called the Kentucky Derby.

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The Ridiculous History of the 90s and Low Culture, with Ross Benes

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0000

The 1990s were a time of chaos, aspiration, and, above all, ridiculous things. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max welcome returning guest Ross Benes, the author of 1999, for an in-depth exploration of talk shows, crime, transformative media and pop culture forensics. (Ben here: of course we get to films, video games and Juggalos.)

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CLASSIC: The Great London Beer Flood of 1814

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In 1814, a poor neighborhood in London fell victim to a strange, tragic and boozy disaster -- this calamity would eventually leave eight people dead. So what exactly happened? How could an entire neighborhood flood with a deadly deluge of beer? Join Ben, Noel and Max for a bizarre bit of boozy history in this week's Classic episode.

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The True Story of Pac Man -- and a Ton of Weird Theories

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0000

As one of the most iconic games in all of arcade history, Pac Man is recognized across the planet. But how did it get here -- and why are there so many in-depth fan theories about what it means? Is Pac Man a Sisyphean immortal cursed with endless toil? Is he underwater, stealing errant Pong balls? Is he himself a ghost, or on drugs? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max unravel the bizarre, inspiring origin story of one of history's greatest video games.

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The Ridiculous Origin of the the Word "Ridiculous"

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:20:11 +0000

With nearly one thousand episodes out in the world over the years, Ben, Noel and Max realized they've never asked about the origin of the word "ridiculous." In this rollicking, cartoonishly meta episode, the gang learns the history of this specific word -- and why, since before the dawn of recorded history, humans have always been all about a good joke. (And, of course, terrible jokes as well.)

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CLASSIC: Dr. Seuss Wrote His Most Famous Book On A Bet

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0000

What are your favorite children's books? In this Classic episode, Ben and the gang acknowledge Dr. Seuss is one of the most well-known writers on the planet. "Green Eggs and Ham", one of his most successful books, sold over 8 million copies by 2016 -- but would you believe he wrote it based entirely on a bet?

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The Terrifying Science of Tiny Subs and D-Day, Part Two: The Rise of the Chamber Divers

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:38:38 +0000

As Axis powers swarm across Europe in the lead-up to D-Day, a small group of scientists refuse to leave their lab, throwing a fair amount of modern ethics out the window (or the sub, if you like) as they race to complete vital experiments in hyperbaric chambers -- the results of which may just change the course of the war. Tune in for part two of this special two-part series, featuring returning guest Dr. Rachel "Big Spinach" Lance, the author of "Chamber Divers: The Untold Story of the D-Day Scientists Who Changed Special Operations Forever."

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The Terrifying Science of Tiny Subs and D-Day, Part One: The Return of Dr. Rachel "Big Spinach" Lance

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Years after their initial conversation with the world's foremost expert on underwater explosions, Ben still sings the praises of Dr. Rachel "Big Spinach" Lance. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max welcome Dr. Lance back to learn more about the phenomenal -- and, frankly, inspiring -- story of a ragtag crew of rogue scientists who saved submarines ... and, in doing so, saved the Allies during D-Day.

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CLASSIC: Feral Children and the True Story Behind The Jungle Book

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Now, let's be honest. Rudyard Kipling was a cartoonishly problematic guy. Yet his work made a permanent impression on global literature -- and, to a surprising degree, he based a lot of his writing on real-world events. In today's Classic episode, Ben and Noel ask: What inspired Rudyard Kipling to write The Jungle Book? Join the guys as they explore the real-life, tragic stories of feral children abandoned by their human parents, adopted by animals and raised in the wild.

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Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Colossus of Rhodes

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 11:40:33 +0000

Imagine you're an ancient traveler, visiting Rhodes for the first time in 280 BCE. As you approach the famed city, a singular object dominates the horizon: a huge statue of the Greek sun god Helios, popularly known as the "Colossus of Rhodes." In the fourth part of this series on the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Ben, Noel and Max explore how this titanic sculpture came to be -- and how its phenomenal legacy still remains with us in the modern day.

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Unlucky Numbers Across The Globe -- And Why They Are Ridiculous

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 22:00:52 +0000

Do you have a number you love, or a number you hate? As Ben, Noel and Max discover in today's episode, people have always assigned symbolic meaning to the everpresent existence of math -- and created some frankly ridiculous associations along the way.

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CLASSIC: The Ridiculously Laxative-laden Journey of Lewis and Clark

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In today's Classic episode, Ben and Noel reluctantly sing the praises of poop research. You see, folks, before Lewis and Clark set out to explore the western side of the continent, they tried to prepare for every possible contingency — including medical conditions like constipation. Join the guys as they explore how a dangerous laxative didn’t just save members of the expedition, but also may have preserved their campsites for posterity.

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Moon Rock Heists, Part Two: The Romantic Misadventures of Thad Roberts

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 16:25:00 +0000

Let's say you're a love-struck NASA intern -- your professional career holds a lot of promise, but your family life back home is in shambles... and you fall in love with a fellow intern. How can you impress your new paramour? Forget flowers, chocolates and all those other silly earth-bound romantic gestures: this is the story of Thad Roberts. From his account, he was carried away by mad love, which led him and a few collaborators -- including his fellow interns, one of whom was his lover -- to pull a heist on NASA's moon rock collection. In the second part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the real-life story of Moon Crime. (Please be aware this episode also contains a description of two people in a hotel room getting intimate atop a pile of stolen lunar rocks.)

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Moon Rock Heists, Part One: Lunatic Heists and Space Law

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:54:30 +0000

Is it legal to own a moon rock? Well... that depends. If it's a piece of the moon that made it to Earth naturally, then all good. If, however, it's a sample retrieved on purpose by NASA's Apollo program, you can get in some serious trouble for trying to snag it. In part one of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore what happens when powerful private collectors try to get their hands on forbidden moon rocks.

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CLASSIC: The Strange and Spectacularly Disgusting Story of the Great Kentucky Meat Shower

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0000

On March 3rd, 1876, residents of Bath County, Kentucky were startled to see what appeared to be chunks and flakes of meat falling from the clear, cloudless sky. The rain, which only lasted a few minutes, captured national attention. People across the country proposed various theories explaining the deluge. In today's Classic episode, the guys believe they've finally solved the mystery.

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The Ridiculously Energetic History of Energy Drinks!

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 17:12:41 +0000

This episode is brought to you by our favorite cohost: coffee. These days, if you stroll into any convenience store across the planet, you're going to run into a selection of energy drinks -- whether we're talking Red Bull, NOS, Monster, or our favorite pal, the humble cup of joe, one thing's for certain: people love this stuff... even if it's not particularly healthy. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max discover the strange origin of a multibillion dollar industry dedicated to keeping people just a little more peppy.

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Japan is Overrun By Raccoons Entirely Due to a Single Cartoon

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 17:09:22 +0000

While the legendary Japanese raccoon dog -- or tanuki -- may look like a raccoon, it's a very different beast. However, these days Japan is home to actual raccoons: they're considered an invasive species, wreaking havoc across the country as they destroy temples, consume crops, and threaten indigenous wildlife. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max discover how these dastardly raccoons made it all the way over the Pacific to become an absolute menace to Japan. Spoiler: it all started with a cartoon about a boy and his furry sidekick, Rascal. Tune in to learn how a single show inspired thousands of Japanese families to acquire a raccoon of their own... only to meet with some serioulsy ridiculous consequences.

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CLASSIC: The Bizarre Origin of the Oxford English Dictionary

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0000

With 600,000 words and 3 million quotations, the Oxford English Dictionary is a massive tome. Work began on the dictionary in 1857, but the first edition wasn't published until 1884. Compiling the dictionary was a Herculean task, and James Murray, the editor of the dictionary, put out a call for assistance. This early crowdsourcing strategy worked surprisingly well. Murray was particularly impressed by his most prolific and consistent contributor, an enigmatic fellow named Dr. W.C. Minor. So impressed, in fact, that Murray decided he had to meet the man in person. It's safe to say the meeting didn't go as expected.

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Hoax! With Dana Schwartz and Lizzie Logan

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 15:04:28 +0000

Did you know England's first newspaper was fake? Or that King Arthur is more or less completely made up? The deeper we look into human history, the more we see that civilization is utterly riddled with bizarre hoaxes -- some of which are laughable, and some of which are downright dangerous. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max welcome the legendary Dana Schwartz and Lizzie Logan to learn more about some of history's greatest hoaxes, which they explore in-depth in their newest podcast, Hoax!

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Fabergé Eggs Are Ridiculous (And Fascinating)

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:19:20 +0000

Imagine you are beyond wealthy. You no longer dream of the average "rich people" flexes -- you've got all the diamonds, all the mansions, all the ordinary baubles of the elite. How can you distinguish yourself? What can you buy when you can buy literally anything? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the astonishing, ridiculous origin story of Czarist Russia's peak luxury item; an egg you can't eat, nor wear -- a toy and a flex to end all flexes: the Fabergé Egg.

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The World of Non-Gregorian Calendars: What Day Is It, Really?

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 19:27:31 +0000

Human civilization is far from perfect. Still, it's pretty cool humanity overall agreed on how to measure time (for now). In today's follow-up to an earlier exploration of the Gregorian calendar, Ben, Noel and Max admire the many alternative, non-Gregorian calendars with their own ancient provenance, all of which exist in the modern day. Or modern night? Spoiler, a ton of these are based on the passage of the moon.

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The Ridiculous Origin of the Modern Calendar

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 17:06:17 +0000

The calendar is... ridiculous. Since the earliest days of civilization, humanity has tried to measure the passage of time on Earth through any number of systems. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max discover how millennia of trial and error led to the modern Gregorian calendar, which we all still just pretend is a normal thing in the modern day.

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CLASSIC: George Carlin Gets Quoted in the Supreme Court: Ridiculous Stand-up Stories with Wayne Federman

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In the second part of this two-part series, special guest Wayne Federman explores the strange, curse-word-riddled stand-up bit that resulted in George Carlin setting a legal precedent with the Supreme Court. Listen in to learn how curse words changed the world and sparked a debate that continues today.

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The Ridiculous History of Fantasy Sports, Part Two

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 03:18:24 +0000

As local fantasy sports initiatives grew into larger, more organized pursuits, technology improved as well. Access to online statistics made it much easier for casual sports fans to enter the realm of fantasy playing -- and also, arguably, made it easier to gamble on sports as well. In the second part of this week's two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the modern age of fantasy sports (and whether or not Ben will finally make it to a sumo exhibition.)

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The Ridiculous History of Fantasy Sports, Part One

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:24:59 +0000

To outsiders, fantasy sports and fantasy leagues may sound like a bizarre proposition: you get together with a bunch of friends and leverage statistics to predict outcomes in your favorite sports, but it's not... gambling? In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origins of fantasy leagues, and how they grew into a billion-dollar industry.

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CLASSIC: The People vs. Lenny Bruce: Ridiculous Stand-up Stories with Wayne Federman

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Lenny Bruce is a legend in the history of stand-up comedy, and while his use of explicit language thrilled audience members, it didn't win him any friends in law enforcement. In fact, Bruce was arrested multiple times for his use of 'obscenities', sparking a larger, continuing debate about the nature of free speech. Join the guys as they learn more about the early days of stand-up and the Lenny Bruce controversy with this week's special guest: Comedian, actor, writer and historian Wayne Federman.

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First Ladies Who Weren't Wives, Part Two, Part Two: Some Folks Didn't Want The Job

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 18:21:53 +0000

Imagine one of your family members attains the highest political position in American history -- your uncle or sibling becomes the President of the United States! And, as Ben, Noel and Max learn in today's episode: many people were called to play the role of First Lady. Turns out: several people genuinely didn't want the job.

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First Ladies Who Weren't Wives, Part Two, Part One: James "The Bachelor" Buchanan

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 18:24:38 +0000

Ben here. I know, I know: it's confusing that we split our First Ladies sequel episode into two separate episodes. The title is literally ridiculous. However, as you'll hear, we delved deep into a bit of Presidential history that touches on so many things -- so many, in fact, that we had to dedicate an entire show to Buchanan and his fascinating First Lady/niece, Harriet Lane.

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CLASSIC: The Life and Times of Ol' Knife Hand

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000

A necropolis in what is now Northern Italy holds a strange and, at first glance, terrifying corpse. A Lombard man, aged somewhere between 40 and 50 years old, lost his right arm in a brutal accident. Normally this sort of wound would be a death sentence, but in this case the guy didn't just survive -- he created a prosthetic limb from a sword and officially became Knife Hand (a title we gave him because we think it sounds cool). Listen in to learn more about the life and times of Knife Hand, including why his story, when you get down to the details, is more an inspiring testament to human compassion than a frightening tale of a killer with a blade for an arm.

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Batman, or Bat-Man? A Ridiculously Comical Feud For The Ages

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:57:16 +0000

The Dark Knight. The Caped Crusader. The terror of all criminals and ne'er-do-wells in Gotham... that's right, folks: today's episode is all about Batman. As Ben and Noel discover in today's episode, this superhero's origin story is a surprising tale of beef, ego, conflict and controversy: for decades, two men claimed to have created Batman... and one of them may have been (mostly) lying.

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Three Ridiculous Histories of "Bloody Mary"

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 01:40:40 +0000

A frightening children's game. An intensely divisive, boozy drink. A real-life Royal. As Ben and Noel discover in today's episode, "Bloody Mary" alludes to several ridiculous -- and, at times -- disturbing things.

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A Ridiculous History of "Fad Diets"

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Everyone in the developed world knows someone who's tried a 'fad diet' -- these are the so-called miracle practices that promise to help people lose weight and keep it off, through any number of potentially dubious methods. But where did they come from? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and guest producer Dylan dive deep into the Victorian era of tapeworms, super-chewing, and more.

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A Titanic Disaster: That Time An Entire Production Crew Tripped Off Bad Chowder

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000

James Cameron's Titanic was, by all accounts, a blockbuster success. And, like so many other masterpieces, the story of its creation is a tale all its own. In today's episode, Ben and Noel dive deep into a little-known disaster that struck the already-tense production: someone laced the chowder with PCP, sending a small army of crew and cast alike on a terrifying journey into temporary madness.

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A Ridiculous History of Sex, with Ross Benes

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:44:13 +0000

Heads-up, folks: this is a PG-13 episode. Ben and the legendary guest producer, also Ben, welcome author and journalist Ross Benes for a wide-ranging discussion on the ridiculous ways in which sex has altered the course of human civilization. We're talking about the origin story of the vibrator, the way the US military accidentally made San Francisco a 'gay mecca,' the fanatical drives of the Puritans, sex scandals and so much more.

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CLASSIC: The Ridiculous Story of the World’s First (Documented) Serial Killer

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Locusta of Gaul, also known as Locusta The Poisoner, was one of the most infamous criminals of ancient times. Alternately sponsored and betrayed by the noble class, she committed crimes with impunity for years — even, at one point, opening an academy to teach her poisoning skills to others. Tune in to learn more about the rise and fall of what may well be the world’s first documented serial killer.

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CLASSIC: Back When the Rich Ate Corpses

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Nowadays it's safe to say that cannibalism isn't a widely-accepted practice, but not so long ago it was considered the bleeding edge (get it?) in medicine throughout Western Europe. Join Ben and Noel as they explore the odd practice of consuming human body parts in hopes of curring all one's ills, through everything such as the King's drops to bandages soaked in human fat, along with related stories of the legendary Mellified Man and the current, tragic phenomenon of Tanzanian criminals hunting down those suffering from albinism to use their body parts in magic rituals.

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CLASSIC: The Mummies of Guanajuato

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0000

When the city of Guanajuato instituted a grave tax, they included some harsh penalties for those who couldn't pay -- if you went more than three years without paying the tax on your loved one's resting place, the body would be disinterred and taken from its grave. As gravediggers began removing corpses, they discovered something bizarre: Many of the bodies had somehow naturally mummified. Word of the Mummies of Guanajuato quickly spread, and the gravediggers starting charging locals to take a quick peek at the remains. This was only the beginning. Join Ben and Noel as they explore the strange tale of the Mummies of Guanajuato.

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A Ridiculous History of Brain Science, with Jorge Cham

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 23:47:02 +0000

Today, we all generally understand that the brain is responsible for what we call personality and thought -- yet this wasn't always the case. Once humans figured out the brain was more than a weird lump in the skull, it took centuries of trial and error, along with quack science, to really understand how it works. In today's episode, the guys welcome back special guest Jorge Cham, the creator of ScienceStuff, to lear more about the ridiculous history of brain science.

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Jorge Cham Teaches Us The Universe: Big Bangs and Quantum Hangs

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 16:27:38 +0000

What is the universe? Where did it come from, and what happens to it in the future? Humanity has wrestled with these questions since the dawn of civilization -- and though we've made a lot of progress, there's still much more to learn. In today's episode, the guys join special guest Jorge Cham, the polymath, engineer, author, cartoonist, and creator of the hit new show ScienceStuff as he explains the vast (and often ridiculous) history of humans attempting to understand the universe.

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The Ridiclulous Hsitory of Typos

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 03:06:43 +0000

Ah, the bane of authors, students and copywriters the world round: the infamous typo! Something as small as a single misplaced letter can call the entire credibility of a book, text, or essay into question. Usually readers can still "get the gist," but every so often an innocent typo sows chaos, hilarity, scandal and disaster. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore some of history's weirdest, funniest -- and most expensive -- typos.

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CLASSIC: The Curious Rise of SPAM

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Nowadays the iconic 'SPAM' logo is recognized around the world -- whether you're traveling in the US state of Minnesota or Busan, Korea, you'll more often than not run into a couple of Spam cans in the local grocery store. But what made this particular processed meat so popular? Join Ben, Noel and special guest, Savor cohost Anney Reese as they explore the strange circumstances that paved the way for the rise of Spam in this week's Classic episode.

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Come For the Palooka, Stay For the Farts!

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 19:46:25 +0000

What on Earth is a "palooka"? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max embark on a bizarre journey -- inspired by a single, fascinating word, they discover one of the weirdest, life-long beefs between two cartoonist legends of yesteryear. We don't want to spoil it, so please tune in! Also, the guys once again crack on James Joyce.

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CLASSIC: The Origins Of, and Backlash Against, Father's Day

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0000

With another Father's Day in the books, Ben, Noel and Max hit the new studio for the first time, exploring the history of this paternal partner to the slightly-more famous Mother's Day. Featuring a cameo from the one and only Matt in this week's Classic episode.

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Father's Day, Around the World

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 23:31:15 +0000

In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max discover stunning commonalities between Father's Day celebrations across culture, community, and time. We wrote that first sentence knowing our Dads will not read the rest, and we genuinely believe we have some good jokes with this one.

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The History of Morning Routines, Part Two: All Hail The Toothbrush! And Deodorant!

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 20:41:43 +0000

For most of us -- hopefully! -- dental care is a fundamental piece of the morning routine. There are few things quite as refreshing as starting the day with a fresh, minty smile. Then, of course, deodorant (please)! In the second part of the History of Morning Routines, Ben, Noel and Max give massive thanks to the many inventors of yesteryear who worked tirelessly to create toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant. Along the way, the guys discover some immensely devious marketing, and invent a new insult: "you sweat-ridden child."

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CLASSIC: The Smooth-talking Takeover of Tabor Bridge: "Yes And-ing" Your Way To Victory

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In 1805, two French Marshals found themselves in quite a pickle -- Jean Lannes and Joachim Murat needed to cross the Danube at the Tabor bridge (a series of three bridges, actually) to reach Vienna. However, Austrian forces held the bridges and were prepared to destroy them before allowing the French to cross. With a brilliant talent for improvisation and more than a healthy dose of confidence, the Marshalls proceeded to con their way across the bridge without firing a shot. Listen in to learn more in today's Classic episode.

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CLASSIC: History's Coolest (Non-Human) Political Candidates, Part I

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 17:15:47 +0000

It's no secret that politics can be a minefield of quirky events, and strange things happen in the lead up to elections. But just how strange can it get? Join the guys and returning guest Christopher Hassiotis as they explore bizarre tales of non-human politicians in this special Classic episode.

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The History of Morning Routines, Part One: Thank Goodness People Learned to Wash Themselves

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:57:08 +0000

Regardless of culture or country, most people have some sort of morning routine. This could be a simple as a shower, a shave and brushing one's teeth -- on the other hand, some morning routines are elaborate affairs requiring an hour or more of careful grooming, mousiturizing, meditation, and more. So where do these rituals come from? In the first part of this two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max journey to the past to learn that, for a large part of human history, people smelled terrible.

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CLASSIC: Attack of the Aswang: How the CIA Used Vampires as Weapons of War

Sat, 31 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Horror fans can tell you there's more than one type of vampire -- in fact, there are hundreds of vampire-like fiends in cultures around the world. In most cases these are dismissed as spooky stories for children or ancient myths, but when the CIA needed to oust a group of Communist rebels in the Philippines, they decided to make the myth of the Aswang a reality. Join Ben and Noel for a bizarre adventure in this week's Classic episode.

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The Ridiculous -- and Surprisingly Dangerous -- History of Hair Dye

Thu, 29 May 2025 19:06:18 +0000

Whether we're talking jet black, stunning platinum or fire engine red, there's just something fascinating about hair as a fashion statement. And, of course, forms of hair dye have been used since antiquity to help people maintain a youthful appearance... even when the ingredients caused tremendous physical harm. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the fascinating (and surprisingly dangerous) history of hair dye.

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Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: That Super Humble Statue of Zeus

Tue, 27 May 2025 21:38:32 +0000

Statues are sort of a big deal. Even today, most folks you meet don't have a statue of themselves. So it comes as no surprise that back in the day, one statue in particular became a wonder of the ancient world. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the story of Zeus. (Ben here: I need everyone to know we are not talking about the origins of Zeus as a G-d; just this crazy, huge IKEA-level statue.)

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CLASSIC: Who are the Hartlepudlian Monkey Hangers?

Tue, 27 May 2025 21:23:47 +0000

Years ago, if you wanted to start a fight in Hartlepool in north eastern England, all you'd have to do is start calling people 'monkey hangers'. But why? Join the guys as they explore how the Napoleonic War, a terrified village and one incredibly unlucky monkey collided -- allegedly -- in one of the most ridiculous events of its time.

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HP Lovecraft Was A Super Weird Dude, Part Two: The Horror Stories That Changed The World

Thu, 22 May 2025 17:04:19 +0000

Newly inspired by his recent associations in amateur magazine circles, HP Lovecraft returns to fiction. In the second part of this series, Ben, Max and special guest Jonathan Strickland witness Lovecraft's work building a mythos with his friends and collaborators, his love life, his tragedies and triumphs. Also his strange hatred of so many things (including, oddly, seafood).

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HP Lovecraft Was A Super Weird Dude, Part One: Childhood Tragedy

Tue, 20 May 2025 16:33:47 +0000

Love him or hate him, there's no denying that Howard Phillips Lovecraft fundamentally altered the course of horror and speculative fiction. So how did he become one of the most influential authors in all of horror history? In the first part of this special two-part episode, Ben and Max welcome returning guest Jonathan Strickland for an exploration of Lovecraft's tragic childhood and long record of bizarre childhood behavior -- and how a vicious argument over love stories paved the way for his later success.

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CLASSIC: William Walker: Filibuster and (Fantastically Bad) President

Sat, 17 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In today's Classic episode, Ben, Noel, Casey In Spirit and Max explore a bizarrely American story. The adventurer and filibuster William Walker was, in his heyday, lauded as an American hero for his repeated failed invasions of areas of Mexico and Nicaragua. But what led this man on a fanatical mission to invade these regions? Perhaps more importantly, why did so many folks in the US support his various strange escapades?

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Accidental Inventions of the 20th Century, Part Two: The Slinky and the Post-it Note

Thu, 15 May 2025 13:40:39 +0000

While things like the Slinky and the Post-it Note may seem pretty ubiquitous, simple ideas today, they each have their own bizarre accidental origin story. In the second part of this week's two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the stories of military coil research and a tenacious 3M employee nicknamed "Mr. Persistent."

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Accidental Inventions of the 20th Century, Part One: Penicillin, X-Rays and the Microwave Oven

Tue, 13 May 2025 15:54:44 +0000

Humans have always been compelled by curiosity -- sometimes, this leads to misfortune, but other times... curiosity and accident can also lead to world-changing innovations. In part one of this week's special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origin stories of history's greatest accidental inventions, from penicillin to the microwave oven and more.

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CLASSIC: Lawsonomy: How the Father of the Modern Airline Started His Own Religion

Sat, 10 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

When middling baseball player Alfred Lawson first learned of the Wright Brothers, he experienced a revelation that would guide the greater part of his life: Aviation, he believed, was the future of more than just transit -- it would become one of the most important advances in the history of the human race. Lawson, brimming with confidence and charisma, led the charge to popularize aviation, publishing magazines and even designing the first modern airliner. After the Great Depression dashed many of America's budding businesses, Lawson shifted focus to economic theory and, eventually, he discovered his own religion.

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Did Pirates Really Ruin the US Dream of the Metric System?

Thu, 08 May 2025 15:59:41 +0000

Why is the United States so culturally opposed to the metric system? According to a popular legend, this conundrum dates back to the late 1700s, when a French polymath named Joseph Dombey sailed to Thomas Jefferson with two crucial artifacts: a rod measuring exactly one meter, and a copper cylinder weighing one kilogram, set to bring the new nation a system of rational measurement. As the story goes, British privateers waylaid Dombey. Stole his artifacts, unsuccessfully ransomed him, and the poor nerd died in captivity without ever meeting Jefferson. As a result, the US remains metric-shy in the modern day. However: this legend, based in fact, may not be the story entire. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the Ridiculous History of our country's long-standing aversion to a genuinely good idea.

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Yet More Ridiculous Historical Honorifics: Ethelred Just Ain't Ready

Tue, 06 May 2025 18:42:33 +0000

Have you been blessed -- or, perhaps, cursed -- with a nickname that just won't go away? Some of most terrifying, inspiring and ridiculous figures in human history are in the same boat. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they return to their continuing series on Ridiculous Historical Honorifics, exploring the stories of Charles the Bald, Ethelred the Unready, and more.

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CLASSIC: A Dead Pope Goes To Court

Sat, 03 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

The Catholic Church is no stranger to scandal and controversy, but in January of 897 the institution was home to a new and unique scandal that put the garden variety tales of adultery and financial corruption to shame. Listen in to learn what drove Pope Stephen VI (also sometimes called Pope Steven VII) to dig up one of his predecessors and put the corpse of another Pope on trial.

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History's Most Ridiculous Clothing, with AJ Jacobs: Part Two

Thu, 01 May 2025 20:44:31 +0000

What's the weirdest pair of shoes you've ever seen? If you were King, would you force everyone else to be shorter than you? In the second part of this week's special two-part episode, returning guest AJ "Bahamas" Jacobs, creator of "The Puzzler," regales the gang with a wide-ranging exploration of history's most ridiculous clothing.

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History's Most Ridiculous Clothing, with AJ Jacobs: Part One

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:57:04 +0000

It's no secret that history is filled with relatively arbitrary fashion rules, fads and faux pas -- and what may be hot stuff in one era often ends up being seen as cringeworthy in later years. But how ridiculous does clothing of yesteryear get? In part one of this week's special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max welcome their returning guest, the legendary author and podcaster AJ "Bahamas" Jacobs as he breaks down some of history's most ridiculous fashion trends -- beginning, of course, with some of history's most bizarre hats.

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CLASSIC: War and Candy: The Infamous Tootsie Roll Air Drop

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

During the battle of the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, the First Marine Division seemed doomed. Surrounded, outnumbered, outgunned and running dangerously low on ammunition, the Marines called for an airdrop of ammo only to receive... pallets of tootsie rolls. Over the next two bloody, violent weeks these tiny candies turned out be much more useful than anyone could have predicted -- tune in to learn why some Marines credit their survival to this oft-maligned, strange piece of candy in this week's Classic episode.

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A Ridiculous History of Tupperware

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 18:09:48 +0000

Burrrrp! The sound is familiar to any fan of Tupperware -- it's that little whoosh of air when you push down the lid and remove excess air. But what exactly is Tupperware? How did it become such an ubiquitous part of U.S. kitchens? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive deep into the surprisingly dramatic rise of Tupperware... and how the unsung hero Brownie Wise took it from a novelty product to worldwide fame.

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Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:11:27 +0000

Like most rulers of old, Mausolus wasn't exactly known for his modesty. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max continue their exploration of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World with the story of a tomb so opulent that humans ended up making a brand-new word to describe it: the Mausolem (at Halicarnassus).

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CLASSIC: The Man Who Assassinated Abe Lincoln's Assassin

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

On April 14th, 1865, John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in Ford's theatre, escaping shortly thereafter and going on the run. The Federal troops in pursuit of the assassin had orders to bring Booth and any of his conspirators back alive. For most of the soldiers, this wasn't a problem. However, Boston Corbett felt he answered to a higher power -- and this higher power told him that Booth deserved to die. Tune in as we explore the (bizarre) life and times of Boston Corbett. In this weekend's Classic episode, Ben, Noel and Casey ask: "So other than that, Mrs. Lincoln -- how did you find the play?"

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Paul Is Dead, Part Two: Welcome to the Walrus

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 21:16:07 +0000

After a US-based college student pens a satirical article exploring hippy folklore and the Beatles, mainstream media takes off -- "Is Paul McCartney actually dead?" they ask, in a growing fever pitch. In part two of this series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the continuing saga of the greatest conspiracy theory in all of modern music.

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Paul Is Dead, Part One: The Beatles versus MI5

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 19:41:09 +0000

It's one of the greatest conspiracy theories in all of modern music -- what if, at the height of their success, the world famous Beatles suddenly lost Paul McCartney? As the theory goes, Paul Prime actually died in a car accident in November of 1966. With millions of fans -- and dollars! -- on the line, the remaining Beatles and MI5 conspired to cover the whole thing up, replacing Paul Prime with a body double to avoid public chaos. Yet, as Ben, Noel and Max discover in part one of this bizarre, twisting tale, The Beatles may have harbored deep regrets... and began hiding clues to the truth in their music. Strap in, folks: this one goes deep.

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CLASSIC: The Cock Lane Ghost: Haunting, Hoax, Hysteria… or Hilarious?

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In 1762, crowds from across London gathered in hopes of seeing something the papers called "The Cock Lane Ghost". This alleged spirit was known to communicate in knocks and scratches, reacting to yes or no questions and, according to some observers, seeking justice from beyond the grave. But who was this spirit, exactly? What did this poltergeist have to do with William Kent and his ongoing dispute with landlord Richard Parsons? In today's classic episode, join the guys as they delve into the strange, strange story of the Cock Lane ghost.

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CLASSIC: Roland the Farter and the Weird World of Professional Flatulence

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 19:41:52 +0000

Regardless of what polite societies often want us to believe, everyone farts. And we fart often! And, believe it or not, a few rare individuals have been able to turn this embarrassing bodily function into a full-time job. Join Ben and Noel as they explore the weird, weird world of professional flatulence.

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CLASSIC: Gregor MacGregor Invented a Country and Convinced People to Invest in It

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:05:33 +0000

When His Serene Highness Gregor the First, Sovereign Prince of the State of Poyais and its Dependencies, and Cacique of the Poyer nation visited London, he made a huge impression. Hundreds of people jumped at the chance to buy land in his remote, Central American paradise. There was only one problem -- the Cacique, whose real name was Gregor Macgregor, made the entire nation up out of thin air in one of history's largest, most audacious (and most ridiculous) scams. This is the Classic episode so ridiculous we made a t-shirt out of it.

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CLASSIC: Angry Feds and Deadly Booze: The Story of the Chemists' War

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

From 1920 to 1933, the U.S. government attempted to ban (recreational) alcohol throughout the nation. In a stunning -- we're being sarcastic here -- turn of events, people circumvented the law and found ways to keep drinking and organized crime blossomed in cities across the country. Listen in to learn just how far Uncle Sam was willing to go to stem the flood of illegal booze in this week's Classic episode.

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We're Late for the April Fools' Episode

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 21:07:01 +0000

Have you ever fallen for an April Fools' Day gag? Across the world, millions of people pull (hopefully wholesome) pranks on each other every April 1st in a celebration of practical jokes and trickery. But where did this holiday actually come from? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into this surprisingly murky history of April Fools' Day.

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The Ridiculous History of Vending Machines

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:39:12 +0000

Pretty much everyone in the developed world is familiar with vending machines these days -- you see them in all sorts of places, selling all sorts of things. But where did they come from? What's the weirdest stuff sold via vending machine? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the surprisingly ancient concept of automated product dispensers.

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CLASSIC: Fanny and Stella: The Cross-Dressing Scandal of Victorian England

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In April of 1870, a shocking court case captivated Victorian England: Fanny and Stella, also known as Frederick Park and Ernest Boulton, were arrested after attending a play at The Strand (in what was then considered inappropriate dress) and held on suspicion of violating the moral codes of the time. Listen in to learn more about the absurd legal war England waged against these two twenty-somethings, and the consequences of this ill-informed crusade.

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Badass of the Week, with Ben Thompson - Part 2: the Battle of Karánsebes

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:30:09 +0000

As Europe increasingly freaks out about the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, a ragtag crew of guys who ordinarily hate each other band together for common cause and GUESS WHAT -- it goes cartoonishly wrong. In the second part of this two-part series, the guys hang with Ben Thompson, the creator of Badass of the Week, as he breaks down the most ridiculous friendly-fire incident in all of human history. (Also, side note: Ben recorded this on his birthday, and he's still younger than Joseph II.)

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Badass of the Week, with Ben Thompson - Part 1: History's Most Ridiculous Friendly-fire Incident

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 14:29:48 +0000

War has always been a chaotic, messy endeavor -- and, sometimes, it's downright ridiculous. In this week's special two-part series, the guys welcome returning special guest Ben Thompson, creator of Badass of the Week, to learn more about the bizarre turn of events that led to the Battle of Karánsebes. In part one, Ben introduces the gang to the legendary 'enlightened despot,' Joseph II, a guy who, diplomatically put, took self-confidence to a whole new (and possibly undeserved) level.

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CLASSIC: That Time Kansas Imprisoned Women For Having STDs

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

At the close of World War I, American soldiers returned home from abroad with scars, wounds, stories and, in some cases, infections of which their romantic partners were unaware. When cities in Kansas noted the spike in sexually-transmitted diseases, they embarked upon a misguided quest to quell the infections by imprisoning the women these soldiers had infected (the soldiers didn't get arrested). So why did Kansas decide to imprison women for having STDs, how long did the program last, and why have so few people heard about it in the modern day?

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A Ridiculous History of Processed Cheese

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 21:17:03 +0000

Let's be honest: cheese is inherently weird. As humanity advanced, civilizations leveraged positively alchemical science to arrive at the perfect cheeseburger melt. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the evolution of processed cheese -- the not-quite-cheese that changed the world.

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The Darién Gap, or: the Real Reason Scotland Lost Its Independence

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:49:54 +0000

Scotland is a fascinating place, with its own rich culture, cuisine and history. Today, it's part of the United Kingdom -- but this wasn't always the case. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they dive into Scotland's wildly ambitious plan to build a colonial trade empire straddling the Pacific and the Atlantic. At enormous expense, Scotland gambled everything on taming the Darién Gap... and lost.

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CLASSIC: Oregon Was a White Supremacist Paradise

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Today Portland, Oregon is often portrayed as a left-leaning haven for hipsters across the country, but the original Oregon was a vastly different place. Listen in to learn more about the ridiculous aims of the white supremacists who sought to found Oregon as a whites-only state. Spoiler alert -- there's a fantastic extra segment at the end of today's episode, wherein the guys join special guest Robert Evans, the creator of Behind The Bastards, in this week's Classic episode.

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Apple Versus Apple: The Beatles' Decades-long IP War

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:59:56 +0000

Spoiler: The Beatles are kind of famous. Yet even worldwide acclaim didn't make them immune to lawsuits. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the strange story of Apple Inc and Apple Corps, two hugely influential companies that found themselves embroiled in a multidecade trademark beef.

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Ancient Wonders of the Modern World: The (Alleged) Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:06:56 +0000

We've all heard of The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World -- but what are they, exactly? What made these specific seven creations wonders? Why are some equally impressive structures not considered wonders? In the first episode of this continuing series, Ben, Noel and Max set out to learn more Ridiculous History of these ancient wonders... starting with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which may have never actually existed.

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CLASSIC: Project A119: The Cold War Plan to Nuke the Moon!

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

It sounds like something straight out of your favorite sketch comedy show -- what if a crack team of scientists joined forces with the world's most powerful military on a mission to nuke the moon? Don't waste too much time asking why we'd want to do this... just imagine the explosion. Join Ben and Noel in today's Classic episode as they explore the bizarre and terrifying true story of Project A119, the secret US plan to detonate nukes on the moon.

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The US Camel Corps, Part Two: The Legend of the Red Ghost

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:42:58 +0000

As Major Wayne and company finally make the US Camel Corps a reality, tensions continue to rise across the US: the increasingly divided North and South stand at the brink of war. As Ben, Noel and returning guest Jonathan Strickland discover, this is probably why we don't have a US Camel Corps today. However, the Camel Corps did leave us with one fascinating, related tale: the Legend of the Red Ghost.

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The US Camel Corps, Part One: Several People With A Really Weird Dream

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 17:14:10 +0000

Let's face it: camels look goofy. And we say this with great affection! In fact, the camel's seemingly awkward appearance is the result of some stellar adaptation toward survival in one of the world's most inhospitable biomes. Back in the 1800s, a small group of camel enthusiasts and supply chain experts looked at the vast swathes of American desert and said "hang on... what if we had camels, too?" Join the guys with special guest Jonathan Strickland as they explore the rise and fall of the U.S. Camel Corps.

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CLASSIC: Adidas Versus Puma: A Tale of Two Brothers

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Today Adidas and Puma are two of the industry's most well-known tennis shoe makers, and people around the world prize the footwear for its unique design and reliable craftsmanship. Yet there's a strange, bitter origin story behind these giants of the sneaker world. Join the guys as they delve into a tale of petty recrimination, family feuds and the unending contempt that, ultimately, created the Adidas and Puma we know today. Join Ben and Noel as they explore some peak Ridiculous History in this weekend's Classic episode.

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CLASSIC: The WWII Naval Battle Won Using Potatoes

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:12:09 +0000

The U.S.S. O'Bannon was a Fletcher-class navy destroyer with an impressive array of weaponry and a solid track record in conflicts in WWII. However, even the most experienced sailors aren't perfect -- and when the O'Bannon happened upon a hapless Japanese submarine, both crew engaged in a desperate and bizarre food fight. Join Ben and Noel to learn more in today's Classic episode.

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CLASSIC: The Korean Soldier Who Fought for 3 Armies During WWII

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 22:47:42 +0000

Born in what is now North Korea, Yang Kyoungjong didn't set out to become a soldier -- but fate had other plans. In today's classic episode, Ben and Noel trace one man's journey through prisons, battlefields and multiple armies in a desperate bid to survive World War II.

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CLASSIC: Philadelphia's Transylvanian Doomsday Cult: The Cave of Kelpius

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

There's a nifty bit of hidden history tucked away in Philadelphia's Wissahickon Valley Park -- a cave that, legend has it, was home to a doomsday cult. In today's episode, the guys follow the strange journey of Johannes Kelpius and his followers from Europe to North America as they prepared for the end of days (first in 1694, then in 1700). Tune in to learn what motivated the group, how they influenced American history, and what happened to them after the world kept spinning in today's Classic episode.

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CLASSIC: Weird Wars Fought For Dumb Reasons

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:03:26 +0000

What do a camel, a bucket and an ear all have in common? Each was, at some point, responsible for starting a war. In today's Classic episode, join Ben and Noel as they dive into true stories of weird wars fought over cartoonishly dumb things.

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CLASSIC: The FBI's Quest to Understand "Louie, Louie"

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 17:35:40 +0000

The Kingsmen's cover of "Louie, Louie" is one of the world's most famously unintelligible songs -- and this haunted the FBI. In this episode, Ben and Noel recount the evolution of "Louie, Louie", as well as Uncle Sam's insanely thorough (and hilariously unsuccessful) attempt to figure out the song's lyrics. The guys also rack up some extra credit with their special guest Christopher Hassiotis, who introduces them to the wide, wide world of "Louie, Louie" cover songs across multiple musical genres.

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CLASSIC: The Time a Soviet Premier Was Banned From Disneyland

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

At the height of the Cold War a series of debates in a model kitchen in Moscow (true story!) led Nikita Khrushchev to visit the US on a whirlwind publicity tour. The Soviet leader hobnobbed with politicians, celebrities and business tycoons, soaking up all that America had to offer, often with a few choice remarks along the way. However, there was one place he wasn't allowed to enter: Disneyland. Join Ben and Noel as they take a closer look at Khrushchev's doomed quest to meet America's most famous mouse.

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That Time Japan Absolutely Rinsed Russia, Part Two: The Togo Turn

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

As Japan corners Russian forces in Port Arthur, the Tsar sends a new fleet of ships on a 7-month journey to break the barricade. In a stunning battle that alters the course of history, Japanese Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō executes a brilliant series of manuevers that remain some of the most thoroughly-studied maritime tactics in the entirety of naval history. In the second part of this week's two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore how Japan absolutely waxed the great Russian Empire in a conflict that, despite its short lifespan, fundamentally altered the course of the world overall.

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That Time Japan Absolutely Rinsed Russia, Part One: The Race For Manchuria

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 17:40:06 +0000

Two Empires. One region, in tenuous balance. While often forgotten in the modern day, the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 was a pivotal turning point in early 20th century geopolitics. On one side, the vast Russian Empire: having established control over Siberia, Nicholas II seeks to secure outlets to the Pacific. On the other side of the conflict, an expansionist Japan rushes headlong toward modernity and empire. Something has to give. In the first part of this week's two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the massive consequences of the Russo-Japanese war, and how the consequences of this conflict resonate in the modern day. (Spoiler, neither empire bothered to ask the actual people of Manchuria for their opinion.)

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CLASSIC: Kidnapping, Binge Drinking and Costumes: Voter Fraud in the 1800s

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Allegations of U.S. voter fraud have made the rounds in recent years -- but, once upon a time, these were much more than allegations. Join the guys as they explore the massive voting fraud operations that riddled U.S. politics throughout the 19th century in this week's Classic episode.

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Victorians Got Super Weird With Flirting, Part Two: Courtship and Calling Cards

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:47:27 +0000

Cast your mind back to the Victorian Era, when countless singles and would-be paramours struggled to circumvent strict social mores in the search for true love. In the second part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max continue their exploration of Victorian Era, conspiratorial methods -- especially the infamous 'acquaintance card.'

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Victorians Got Super Weird With Flirting, Part One: "Fan Fiction"

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 17:12:36 +0000

The Victorian Era was, on the surface, a time of almost cartoonish sexual repression. Courtship was governed by rigid sets of rules and heirarchy, and even meeting a prospective partner outside of these codified steps could be considered a breach of cultural mores. So, what's a lover to do? In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the conspiratorial, ridiculous ways people flirted in the Victorian Era.

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Why did people hate the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge?

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Nowadays most people are fans of national parks, but this wasn't always the case. Join the guys as they delve into the strange "birds vs. babies" conflict over Lake Malheur.

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First Ladies Who Weren't Wives, Part One: The Niece Will Have To Do

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 21:40:31 +0000

For more than two hundred years, the American public has elected not just a president, but a family. While the position of First Lady of the United States is not outlined in the Constitution, you literally cannot be the President without someone at your side. As a result, the position of FLOTUS wields immense, subtle power -- often in ways the public does not understand. In the first part of this continuing series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the intricate, bizarre -- dare we say, ridiculous -- stories of people who quietly saved the world while a president took credit.

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Some of History's Funniest Honorifics, Part One: The Babymaker, the Debauchee, and More

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 14:24:26 +0000

Honorifics are perhaps best described as the fancier version of nicknames, with some of the same familiar rules: just like nicknames, you don't get to give yourself an honorific. And, again, just like nicknames, not all honorifics are particularly flattering. What do we mean? Join Ben, Noel and Max to learn more about ridiculous honorifics in today's episode.

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IP, Part Two: The Baffling World of Trademarks

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:04:56 +0000

What does it mean to own an idea, a brand, a catchphrase or a concept? In part two of their continuing exploration of the weird world of intellectual property, the guys suss out what exactly is (or isn't) a trademark, and why people still find it so confusing in the modern day.

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A Ton of Inventors Died Due To Their Own Inventions, Chapter Two: Li Si and the Five Pains

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 01:36:04 +0000

The world is riddled with inventors whose discoveries led to their demise. Thomas Midgley, Jr. is the world's worst inventor. Marie Curie discovered radioactivity and it killed her. Li Si invented the torture method his Emperor would later use for his own execution. In the newest installment of this continuing series, Ben, Noel, and Max explore more stories of inventors who died as a result of their own discoveries.

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CLASSIC: The 1904 Racist Summer Olympic Games in St. Louis

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

A few years after Baron Pierre de Coubertin revived the ancient sporting event known as the Olympics, he brought the games to the U.S. for the first time. The 1904 Summer Olympics were held in St. Louis, Missouri, coinciding with the 1904 World's Fair. Seems set to make history, right? Not the way you'd think. Join Ben and Noel as they take a closer look at the series of disastrous decisions and bizarre notions that led one games organizer to set up his own racist olympics in this week's Classic episode.

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The Ridiculously Ambitious History of the World's Fair, Part Two: Things Don't Always Work Out

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:51:14 +0000

On paper -- and, often, in practice -- the world's fair is an astonishing global showcase of groundbreaking innovations. However, as Ben, Noel and Max discover in the second part of this two-part series, not every world's fair has been a success. Tune in as the guys explore several ill-fated examples of expositions gone wrong in California and Louisiana.

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The Ridiculously Ambitious History of the World's Fair, Part One: A Crazy Plan, and Crazy Success

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 17:39:08 +0000

Have you ever dreamed of going to a science fair as an adult? If so, the world's fair is for you -- these massive international exhibitions occur around the world, usually running for three to six months. And each world's fair include exhibits from a significant number of countries, inventors, and companies with new (potential) breakthroughs for society. In part one of this special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore world's fair success stories -- along with a mysterious fire.

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CLASSIC: Why British Soccer Players Saluted the Nazis

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

As global tensions grew to a breaking point in the lead-up to World War II, European nations used every available avenue to pursue their goals, including the propagandistic power of sporting events. Join Ben and Noel as they explore the strange geopolitical policy of appeasement -- and how it led British soccer players to salute Nazi officials -- in this week's Classic episode.

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How Dogs Went Domestic, Part Two: Yes, Dogs Know What You're Thinking

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:45:26 +0000

Imagine: at multiple points in history, despite their ecological rivalry, a few humans and a few wolves teamed up for a greater good. Fast forward thousands of years, and boom: dogs. Also, modern humans. Yet: Who domesticated whom? In part two of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the ridiculously inspiring story of humanity's best friend.

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How Dogs Went Domestic, Part One: Classic Rom-Com

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 14:30:54 +0000

Most folks agree: dogs are awesome. So, how did ancient humans and wolves end up hanging out in the first place? In the first part of this two-part episode, the guys explore the ridiculous, inspiring origin of the human's best friend.

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CLASSIC: Why don't Americans use bidets?

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Whether you're royalty or a roaming vagrant, a President or a pauper, one thing's for sure: At some point, you'll have to use the restroom. While sanitation isn't often brought up in polite conversation, it plays a vital role in human health, and over the centuries various civilizations have come up with some pretty innovative ways of staying clean. Globally speaking, the bidet is one of humanity's most popular sanitation technologies -- it's spread across Europe to Asia and beyond. So why don't Americans use these? Join Ben and Noel as they crack the case in this Classic episode.

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CLASSIC: The Earliest Recorded Mooning Killed Thousands

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

You've heard of mooning -- the practice of bearing one's butt as an insult -- but where did it come from? Join Ben and Noel as they dive into the deadly story of the world's first recorded mooning, along with some other notable moments in keister history.

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The Story of Claudette Colvin, with Nimene Wureh

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

While most people today already know the inspiring story of Rosa Parks and her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Riots, a lot of folks still don't know the story of Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old arrested nine months before Rosa Parks for the exact same reason: refusing to give up her seat on the bus in segregated Alabama. In today's special interview, Ben, Noel and Max explore this story with the one and only Nimene Wureh, the host of Historical Records, an family friendly, explosive blend of history and hip-hop. Spoiler: listen to the very end -- there's a surprise!

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Big Parma

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 21:05:00 +0000

Stuffed crust pizza. Grilled cheese burritos. How did so much cheese get into so many things? On today's episode, we peel back the curtain on the Dairy Industrial Complex — AKA Big Parma.

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VERY SPECIAL CREDITS
On the Very Special Episodes podcast, we tell one incredible story each week. Follow Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English down a different rabbit hole every Wednesday.

Today’s Episode Was Written and Hosted by Very Special Guest Stars Ben Bowlin and Alex French

Producer is Josh Fisher

Editing and Sound Design by Chris Childs

Additional Editing by Mary Dooe

Mixing and Mastering by Baheed Frazier

Original Music by Elise McCoy

Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla

Executive Producer is Jason English

Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying Very Special Episodes, please leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. You can reach the show at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com.

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Whatever Happened to Mac Tonight?

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

In the great pantheon of fast food mascots, one iconic figure stands separate from the rest: a crooning, crescent moon-faced musician named Mac Tonight. Originally part of an ambitious campaign to advertise McDonald's as a place for adults as well as kids, Mac experienced skyrocketing -- yet short-lived -- viral fame. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into Mac's origin story to discover exactly what happened to this once-beloved, world famous Moon Man.

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CLASSIC: How did Fido become the default name for dogs?

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

If you're like most English speakers, the first thing you think of when you hear the name "Fido" is, of course, a dog. But why? Join Ben and Noel as they delve into the story of Abraham Lincoln's favorite pooch, and how this little yellow pup became one of the first dog memes. (Also, please send us photos of your pooches. We're super into it.)

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CLASSIC: Dock Ellis and the Legend of the LSD No-hitter

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Almost 48 years ago, Pirates pitcher and notorious party animal Dock Ellis pitched a no-hitter while under the influence of LSD. How did this man accomplish one of the rarest feats in baseball history while, by his own admission, tripping balls? Join the Ben and Noel as they dive into the story of that legendary afternoon -- along with the parts of Dock's legacy that are too often forgotten in the modern day.

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Whoops! All Quizster, Part Two: A Ridiculous History of HowStuffWorks

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Still reeling from a tragic loss in the greatest of games, Ben, Noel and Max square off with Jonathan Strickland AKA The Quizster in one last battle of wits before wiping the slate clean in 2025. Jonathan shares several important announcements, and the guys provide reminisce about the Ridiculous History of their (surprisingly long) careers in podcasting.

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The First Recorded Christmas Was The Latest Birthday Party Ever

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Whether or not you yourself celebrate Christmas, there's no denying it's one of the world's most well'known holidays -- in fact, this commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ may be the most famous birthday in the Western world. Yet, as Ben, Noel and Max discover in this holiday episode, experts still don't know when Jesus was actually born. Humans didn't really celebrate Christ's birthday as December 25th until centuries after his death... which means one of the world's most famous birthdays was also one of the absolute latest birthday parties ever.

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Whoops! All Quizster, Part One: The Gang Reunites

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:15:51 +0000

After going off the grid for the better part of a year, Jonathan Strickland AKA The Quizster returns at the end of 2024, with several bones to pick. As he regales -- and/or tortures -- Ben, Noel and Max with a new quiz and an (apparently) in-depth exploration of vikings, the guys do their best to solve his devious puzzles. Spoiler: this one ends on a cliffhanger.

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CLASSIC: Maryland’s State Song was a Diss Track

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

On the first listen, Maryland's old state song sounds pretty innocuous. There's the usual lauding of the state, a refrain based on "O Tannenbaum" and so on. Yet the lyrics of this song refer to "Northern scum" and call for out and out war with various oppressors. So what gives? Join Ben and Noel as they dive into the strange origin story of "Maryland, My Maryland" in this week's Classic episode.

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How The (English) Alphabet Became A Thing, Part Two: Each Letter Has A Story

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 20:53:15 +0000

How did the English alphabet -- a strange agglomeration of curved and straight-lined symbols -- become a thing? In the second part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the messy evolution of modern English, with a special shoutout to each letter of the current alphabet and a more than a little speculation about the future of written communication. ProTip: this is going to be hilarious a century or so from when we record it.

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How The (English) Alphabet Became A Thing, Part One: Writing Stuff Down Is A Bonkers Idea

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 15:54:26 +0000

Let's be honest: the concept of writing stuff down is both brilliant and insane. Right now, all around the world, countless people are scrawling or typing messages that may last long after the writer has passed from this mortal plane - in a way, reading your favorite dead authors can be like communication from beyond the grave! Add to this, language itself is pretty ridiculous. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max crack each other up with an exploration of how writing became a thing, tracing its prehistoric origins through the rise of English, all the way up to what we call "modern English" today.

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CLASSIC: The Story of Max, South Africa's Famous, Crime-fighting Gorilla

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

When confronted with a home invasion, Max the gorilla brought international fame to the Johannesburg Zoo and briefly became the city's most famous crime fighter. He received numerous endorsements, and a statue was erected in his honor. But what brought Max to this level of celebrity? In this week's Classic episode, Ben and Super Producer Max -- not the ape -- explore the story of a crime-fighting gorilla that became a symbol of justice in an intensely troubled South Africa.

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History's Famous Mistranslations, Part Two: Life on Mars, the Cold War, and FARTFULL

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Did a mistranslation lead to theories of life on Mars? What exactly was Khrsuschev trying to say at that big U.N. meeting? Language is amazing -- and it's also pretty complicated. As a result, translation is often more an art than an exact science, and over the course of human history mistranslations have led to some astonishing, at-times dangerous, and often ridiculous results. In the second episode of this continuing series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into more bizarre historical mistranslations, from unfortunate car names to that time IKEA accused children of constantly farting, and so much more.

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Neckties are Utterly Ridiculous

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 15:27:38 +0000

It's easy to look at history and think one idea or another is ridiculous -- but we also have to remember modern civilization has its own vast collection of cartoonish concepts. You know, the sort of stuff we all agreed was "normal" until we really started to think about it. In today's episode, the guys explore a fashion staple that's baffled Ben for more than a decade: Why on Earth do we have neckties? Where did they come from, and why are they considered a stamp of professionalism in the modern day? Tune in to learn more.

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CLASSIC: How Santa Anna Lost His Leg Twice, and Held a Funeral for It

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Often called "The Napoleon of the West", mainly by himself, Santa Anna was a legendary, larger-than-life politician, general and exile. While hundreds of stories have been told about this man, one in particular stood out to Ben and Noel: Santa Anna lost his leg not once, but twice to enemy forces. And, once upon a time, he held an elaborate funeral for his fallen leg. Learn more about this bizarre, true story in this week's Classic episode.

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The History of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Part Two: A World-Class Show

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000

What began with marching bands all those decades ago has evolved past all expectations - and even if you don't particularly follow football, you'll probably tune in for the Super Bowl Halftime show. In the second part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore some of the most iconic -- and controversial -- halftime performances in the history of football.

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The History of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Part One: From Marching Bands to Celebrities

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Whether or not you consider yourself a die-hard football fan, you've almost certainly watched a halftime show. Over the past few decades, these performances have almost become their own entertainment entity, featuring some of the world's most notable (and, at times, controversial) celebrities. In the first part of this special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the origin story of the world famous Super Bowl Halftime show.

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CLASSIC: That Time Chewbacca Needed Bodyguards

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Inarguably the most well-known Wookie in the Star Wars universe, Chewbacca also bears a strong resemblance to another popular creature in American culture -- the towering, hirsute cryptid known as Bigfoot. So much so, in fact, that during filming the studio (allegedly) became very concerned for the safety of Peter Mayhew, the actor who played Chewbacca onscreen. While filming Return of the Jedi in the forests of the California redwoods, guards accompanied the costumed Peter Mayhew so that Bigfoot hunters wouldn't shoot him. So what's the big deal with California and Bigfoot? Tune in to find out.

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How Emergency Call Lines Became A Thing

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:36:16 +0000

In most of the modern world, the average person has an astonishing resource for any disastrous situation: you find a phone, then dial 3 numbers to be immediately connected with someone who can call police, EMTs, fire fighters or other first responders. It's a fantastic concept, and though it remains a work in progress, these resources inarguably save lives. But how did we get here? Join Ben, Noel and Max as they delve into the suprising evolution of emergency call lines -- along with some hilarious examples of calls gone wrong, especially when callers have their own definitions of "emergency."

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Are the Vikings to Blame for Cats?

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:56:03 +0000

House cats are astonishing, fascinating, and at-times frustrating little creatures -- yet they've made a comfortable home with humans, spreading in step with every civilization they join. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore an intriguing theory that busts more than a few stereotypes: What if Vikings were responsible for spreading cats even farther around the world?

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CLASSIC: Napoleon Bonaparte Was Attacked by Bunnies -- And Lost

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Born in Corsica, Napoleon Bonaparte rose from obscurity during the French Revolution, crowning himself Emperor of France in 1804. This brilliant, ruthless tactician changed the course of French history. Despite his meteoric rise and bloodied fall, Bonaparte still needed to grab lunch once in a while. That's when the rabbits got him.

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The Most Ridiculous Weather of Baseball

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000

We've been going through a bit of a sports phase here on Ridiculous History, and of course we can't talk sports without talking baseball. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into some of the strangest weather events to ever grace -- or curse -- an otherwise ordinary game of ball. Note - we don't talk about just how many people got struck by lightning on the field, but... there are a lot.

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Bhutan Grades Itself On Happiness

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:05:51 +0000

Most people never get the chance to travel to Bhutan. Nestled high in the Himalayan mountains, this ancient kingdom is unique on multiple levels. It's the only Vajrayana Buddhist nation on the planet -- and it's also the only nation that measures its success in terms of happiness rather than money. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the history of Bhutan and the inspiring idea of GNH - Gross National Happiness.

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CLASSIC: California Was Named for a Fictional Island Ruled by a Black Amazon Queen

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000

California was admitted to the United States as the 31st state in 1850, but it acquired its unique name much, much earlier. Join Ben and Noel as they trace the strange story behind California's name, from the fiction that inspired it to the loss and rediscovery of the story and, of course, adventures on a legendary Amazonian island. Tune in to learn more in this week's Classic episode.

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The World's Weirdest Sports, Part Two: Literal Murderball

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 23:08:26 +0000

OK, imagine this: you've been captured by a neighboring civilization, hauled off to an unfamiliar city, and your captors tell you: "Hold up, we're not going to kill you yet. In fact, if you can win this game in front of our audience, we will let you live." In part two of our continuing series the world's weirdest sports, Ben, Noel and Max explore the brutal, bloody, and often lethal Mesoamerican sport loosely known as "the Ball Game," a religious event wherein losing the match often meant losing your life.

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The World's Weirdest Sports, Part One: Buzkashī is Where You Fight Over A Dead Goat

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 14:18:28 +0000

Regardless of everyone's differences in this wide, wide world, it's safe to say every culture loves some kind of sport. Often these sports can seem strange to outsiders -- but before we cast proverbial stones, let's remember almost every sport looks bizarre to people who don't know the rules! In the first episode of this continuing series, Ben, Noel and Max explore Buzkashī, the national sport of Afghanistan.

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CLASSIC: Ancient Mayan Ritual Alcohol Enemas

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Like many ancient cultures, the civilizations of Mesoamerica had a vast and rich history of unique cultural practices, spiritual beliefs and ceremonies, some of which may seem bizarre to people in the modern day. In this episode, the guys examine a common practice from ancient Mayan culture: the ritual alcohol enema.

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One Guy Was So Good At Violin That People Thought He Worshipped Satan

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:55:17 +0000

There's no denying Niccolò Paganini was a virtuoso -- in his heyday, this violinist was an international rock star, wowing crowds across Europe with his rollicking, frenetic performances. He was, in fact, so good that people were at a loss to explain exactly how he got so talented. As the years went on, people started claiming his musical gifts were the result of an infernal pact, and that Paganini had made a deal with the Devil.

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Credit Scores are Absolutely Ridiculous

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 15:43:13 +0000

In theory, the concept of credit scores is simple, and makes a lot of sense: lenders need to know they can trust someone to pay back their debts, and debtors need a way to prove they're trustworthy. In practice, however, credit scores are intensely confusing, often ridiculous, and a heck of a pain in the keister for pretty much everyone involved. So how did this system come about in the first place? Join Ben, Noel and Max as they dive into the ridiculous history of credit scores.

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CLASSIC: That Time Vermont Was an Independent Republic

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Today Vermont is known for its progressive politics, beautiful forestry, Bernie Sanders and Ben and Jerry's. It's not a state you'll hear much about outside of the US and, for many Vermont natives, that's just fine. But once upon a time, Vermont was a very different place -- in fact, for a number of years, it was an independent Republic. How did this come about? How did it become part of the modern United States? Tune in to find out.

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Spontaneous Generation, Part Two: "Broth Science"

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 17:27:46 +0000

Who could have guessed a series of broth experiments revolutionized humanity's understanding of life? Spoiler, not us. In part two of this week's two part episode, Ben, Noel and Max continue their exploration of the once widely-accepted concept of spontaneous generation: the idea that certain nonliving objects could, for one reason or another, suddenly produce living things.

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Spontaneous Generation, Part One: Mice and Grain

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 15:57:09 +0000

Today the idea sounds silly. Why would anyone think nonliving substances can suddenly generate living things? Yet for much of human history, the concept of spontaneous generation was widely accepted. In the first part of this week's two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the ridiculous theory of spontaneous generation.

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CLASSIC: The Capture of Guam Was Bloodless and Quick, All Due to a Misunderstanding

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Located about 1500 miles to the east of the Phillipines in Micronesia, Guam is a small US territory with a tiny population, beautiful beaches and an incredibly complicated history. For almost four centuries it was a colonial possession of Spain -- but that all changed in 1898, when Guam, in a strange series of misunderstandings, became a possession of the American government. So what exactly happened? Join Ben and Noel as they explore the bloodless, somewhat ridiculous, capture of Guam.

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Ridiculous Royal Deaths, Part 5: A Blind and Bloody Finale (For Now)

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 14:29:15 +0000

Whether we're talking mysterious nosebleeds, drowning in full armor, or charging literally blind into battle, history is chock-full of ridiculous royal deaths. In the fifth -- and for now, final -- installment of this series, Ben, Max and Noel dive deep into more morbid tales of rulers who met with untimely ends.

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Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart was Darn Near Unkillable

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:02:55 +0000

Born to an aristocratic Belgian family, Adrian Carton de Wiart could have lived the easy life, with a plum job in government or law. Instead, however, he embarked on a bloody, hyperviolent career across multiple wars and decades. He was shot repeatedly, lost an eye, survived wounds that would kill an orindary man and, when doctor refused to remove his shattered fingers, Carton de Wiart ripped them off himself. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they learn more about this unkillable soldier.

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CLASSIC: Are All US Presidents Actually Related?

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 14:39:20 +0000

In 2012 a student in Salinas, California, startled genealogists when she claimed that all Presidents save one were actually related. Could it be true? Join Ben and Noel in today's classic episode as they dive into this strange claim, separating fact from fiction while tackling what it means, exactly, to be related to someone. (It's all relative.)

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Post-Presidential Careers, Part Two: Adams, Taft, And More

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:23:24 +0000

George W. Bush is super into painting. Barak Obama loves making playlists. Taft decided to join the Supreme Court. In the part two of this week's two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the astonishing post-Presidential careers of numerous former US Presidents. Spoiler: some are weirder than others.

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Post-Presidential Careers, Part One: Happy Birthday, Jimmy!

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Over here in the US, there's one dream job so exclusive that only 45 people have held it so far: President of the United States of America, not to be confused with the band bearing a similar name. In the first part of this week's two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the astonishing post-Presidential career of Georgia's own James Carter, often lauded as the best human being to hold the office -- even if he wasn't the best actual President.

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CLASSIC: What's the deal with two-dollar bills?

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Despite being pretty rare in comparison to other denominations, the U.S. two-dollar bill is one of the most storied notes in American folklore. So why do some people think it's lucky? Why do others think it's bad luck? Join Ben and Noel as they explore the bizarre evolution of the two-dollar bill in this week's Classic episode.

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Mark Twain Was a Terrible Investor, Part Two: Typesetters, Steam Pulleys and Tesla

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Well, Ridiculous Historians, as our pal Mark Twain settled into a life of literary fame, he still couldn't help himself from making huge investments in terrible ideas -- sometimes, at an enormous emotional cost to his family. In the second part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore some of Twain's most infamous bad investments, from a bizarre nutritional powder to his own board game, his deep friendship with Nikola Tesla, and more.

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Mark Twain Was a Terrible Investor, Part One: The Legend of "Josh"

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 15:06:33 +0000

Today, Mark Twain is widely thought of as one of America's greatest authors -- but he was also, get this, a terrible investor. Inspired by his father's unfailing (and unsuccessful) efforts to become a business tycoon, Twain spent loads of time and money backing inventions that either didn't work... or were outright scams. In part one of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore how Twain's early life experiences set him on this path -- and how he originally had a different pen name. Also, this is our Connecticut series.

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CLASSIC: How James Bond Created a Mexican Dia de los Muertos Tradition

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

The Day of the Dead is a longstanding traditional celebration in Mexico, and currently hundreds of thousands of people associate it with a gigantic parade -- you know, like the one they saw in the James Bond film "Spectre". There's just one strange twist about that parade: before the movie, the procession didn't exist. Join Ben and Noel as they trace the weird evolution of this event from fiction to the real world in this week's Classic episode.

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What is Karaoke? Part Two: Going Global; Careful What You Sing

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:11:09 +0000

As the karaoke phenomenon became a global pastime, it likewise transformed to adapt to cultures outside of Japan. In the second part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the expansion of karaoke as both technology and culture as well as the troubling ethical nature of AI, arriving their own interpretations along the way.

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What is Karaoke? Part One: An Origin Story

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Nowadays most people are at least generally familiar with the concept of karaoke -- technology allows you to sing along with your favorite songs, often to the delight of your friends and fellow amateur vocalists. It's a global phenomenon, and has created countless karaoke-based communities wherein, if only for a moment, anyone can be a star. In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max delve into the origin story of karaoke, which may have began all because one Japanese guy was mad at his coworkers.

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CLASSIC: Did Richard Nixon Unwittingly Smuggle Drugs for Louis Armstrong?

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

It's become one of the strangest anecdotes in modern American history -- numerous sources will swear to you that, in a last-minute panic before reaching customs, legendary musician Louis Armstrong had Richard Nixon's unwitting assistance smuggling a hefty amount of marijuana through US customs. It's bizarre (and pretty hilarious) if true... but how true is it? Tune in as the guys get to the bottom of this bizarre American fable in this week's Classic episode.

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The Nebraska Episode

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 14:25:22 +0000

Let's be honest: when many Americans think of Nebraska, we immediately think of corn. Yet there's much more to the Cornhusker State than a single crop. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into several ridiculous bits of Nebraska history, from an epic barn move to the surprising, silly origin story of how Lincoln, Nebraska ended up with its name.

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Occupy Alcatraz!

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Alcatraz! For a lot of us, this former island prison occupies an iconic space in the American zeitgeist. It's been home to some of the country's most notorious criminals, and has been the inspiration for tons of top-notch works of fiction and cinema. Yet in today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max learn this supposedly-impenetrable place was not once, but multiple times invaded and occupied by Native American activists in the modern day.

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CLASSIC: 3 Times Society Refused to Accept New Books on Science

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Progress versus preservation: It's one of the eternal dilemmas found throughout every instance of human civilization. Should we embrace disruptive thoughts and science that challenges our beliefs, or should we cling to the comfort of the status quo? Join Ben and Noel in this week's Classic episode as they explore the tragic and inspiring stories of books that were banned not for racy, fictional scenes -- but for furthering our understanding of the universe and our place within it.

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The Ridiculous, Murky Origins of Pasta, Part Two: From Myth to the Modern Day

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 13:23:42 +0000

Today pasta is a worldwide phenomena, and the story of pasta's spread is, in a very real way, also a study of global trade and civilization. Tune in to part two of this week's two-part series as Ben, Noel and Max explore the continuing evolution of pasta. (Spoiler: people are still inventing new shapes!)

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The Ridiculous, Murky Origins of Pasta, Part One: Basic Ingredients, Delicious Results

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 13:44:28 +0000

Pasta is amazing. But where does the concept come from? In part one of this week's two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max delve into the origin of a simple series of ingredients -- and discover there's a lot more to the story.

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CLASSIC: That Time We Erased a (HUGE) Waterfall

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

It's often been said that "the art of losing isn't hard to master", and humanity overall seems to have a knack for losing everything from car keys to entire civilizations. Join Ben and Noel as they travel (vicariously) to South America and delve into the story of two nations who, eventually, lost an entire waterfall in this week's Classic episode.

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Patents Are Absolutely Bonkers: An Origin Story

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 13:39:02 +0000

Have you ever had a good idea -- like, a brilliant idea? If so, you may have immediately started trying to figure out the cartoonishly complicated, labyrinthine world of patents. In today's episode, the guys dive into the strange history of the concept and process of patents.

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That Time a Swedish Queen Became So Enlightened, She Quit Being the Queen

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 17:34:38 +0000

Christina wasn't your average monarch of her day -- while many rulers sought to subjugate and terrorize their kingdoms, she sought to acquire knowledge, and to empower the public with information. Often called the "Minerva of the North," this ruler skillfully navigated treacherous geopolitical waters while also seeking to establish Stockholm as an international center of intellectual and philosophical thought. Eventually, she quit the job altogether.

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CLASSIC: The Poetic Justice of Death by Molten Gold

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000

It's a grisly death familiar to many fans of fiction and fantasy -- a hapless, greedy villain meets their end by having molten metal, often lead or gold, poured upon them or down their throats. But was this morbid means of execution ever used in real life? Join the guys as they dive into the deadly science of real-life murder by molten gold in this week's Classic episode.

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You Auto-go to the Drive-in, Part Two: Driving In and Out of History

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 19:39:35 +0000

What made drive-in theatres so iconic? What led to their demise? In the second part of this week's two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max investigate the rise and fall of the old-school drive-in.

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You Auto-go to the Drive-in, Part One: Cars Meet Cinema

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:09:55 +0000

Have you ever visited a drive-in theatre? These fascinating outfits are increasingly rare in 2024, but not too long ago they were all the rage. In the first part of this week's two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the origin story of the iconic drive-in cinema.

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CLASSIC: Japan, Baseball and the Curse of the Colonel

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000

First things first: You may think Kentucky Fried Chicken is popular in the States, but we've got nothing on Japan. Join the guys as they delve into a story involving baseball, fried chicken, superstition, curses and drunken revelry in today's episode on the Hanshin Tigers and the infamous Curse of the Colonel in today's Classic episode.

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The Disturbing History of Last Meals, Part Two: Famous Final Snacks

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Now that we know the origin of last meals, it's time to dive into the reality of this somewhat disturbing practice. In the second part of this special two-part episode, Ben and Noel don't just walk explore the final suppers of criminals, presidents, and celebrities -- they also give you the inside scoop on some of your favorite podcasters' last meals.

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The Disturbing History of Last Meals, Part One: A Creepy Origin Story

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 12:31:03 +0000

It's a classic trope of crime stories and folklore across the planet: a criminal due for execution is granted one last meal as a send-off to the afterlife. But where exactly does this strange practice come from? The Biblical Last Supper is by far the most famous example of a last meal in the Western world -- but, as Ben and Noel learn in this special two-part episode, this is far from the first example of this bizarre, at-times ghoulish practice. Tune in to learn more.

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CLASSIC: That Time the US Built a Flying Aircraft Carrier

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Nowadays airships are seen as historical relics or novelties meant to fly overhead during sports games. However, not so long ago, the US military thought airships might be the future of warfare. Today the guys delve into the strange history of the USS Akron, an airship designed not just to carry human beings -- but to carry planes as well. Learn more about the construction of the Akron -- and why it's not aloft today -- in today's Classic episode.

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CLASSIC: Yes, Those are Corpses in the Diorama

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:36:24 +0000

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is one of the most storied institutions of its kind in the United States, and it's chockful of priceless objects from across the span of history and the globe. However... investigators recently discovered a grisly secret hidden within one of the dioramas. Join Ben and Noel as they explore the macabre secret of the Carnegie Museum in today's Classic episode.

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CLASSIC: Weird People Who Built Weird Things

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Simeon Ellerton spent years building a house out of stones he found and carried home, one by one. Rejected by his one true love, Edward Leeskalnin spent decades erecting a bizarre monument for her, built of giant coral stones in Florida. But what exactly motivated these guys? How did they stick with their strange obsessions, and what mysteries surround them in the modern day? Tune in to learn more.

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CLASSIC: What was the West Point Eggnog Riot?

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Today the United States Military Academy at West Point is known as one the country's top-notch training institutions, but back in 1826 it was home to a night of pure egg-nog-fueled pandemonium. Join Ben and Noel as they retrace the drunken, crazed steps of cooped-up cadets who decided to fight the power one Christmas in today's Classic episode.

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The Noble -- and Kind of Ridiculous -- History of Butlers

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 12:40:12 +0000

Are you a millionaire, billionaire or aristocrat too busy to manage the day-to-day affairs of palatial estate? If so, you may have already secured the last word in personal service: the butler. In today's episode, inspired by strange memories of the sitcom Mr. Belvedere, Ben, Noel and Max explore the real history of butlerdom, from supervising jugs of booze all the way to the bespoke managerial services of the modern day.

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CLASSIC: Lyndon Johnson Chatted on the Phone More than a Teenager

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 13:08:55 +0000

The 36th President of the United States is often recalled as a complex, flawed individual responsible for profoundly important legislation. However, he was also a notorious telephone fanatic, installing loads of phones in both the White House and his Texas ranch. Here's the kicker: He recorded almost everything. Tune in as the guys see a... pretty strange behind-the-scenes portrait of President Lyndon Johnson in today's Classic episode.

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The Founding of the Smithsonian, Part Two: James Gives America a Fortune -- and a Mission

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000

There's no way around it: James Smithson had a tough life. Yet his unhappiness may, in an indirect way, be the prime reason the Smithsonian Institute exists today. In part two of this special two-part episode, special guest Lizzie Peabody, the host of Sidedoor, delves into the story of how James Smithson donated a massive windfall to the United States -- and, at the same time, gave them an enormous mission. Tune in to learn more.

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The Founding of the Smithsonian, Part One: The Remains of the James

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex -- but how did it get here? Join Ben, Noel and Max as they welcome Lizzie Peabody, host of Sidedoor, the Smithsonian Institution's own official podcast, to learn the stunning origin story of their favorite museums. In part one of this special two-part episode, we meet a young man named James Smithson.

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CLASSIC: Arsenic: The Assassin's Dream Weapon

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

For centuries people from all walks of life sought to eliminate friends, strangers and enemies using the devious, subtle poison known as arsenic. Arsenic poisoning became such a well-known method of murder that people in Britain began calling it "inheritance powder". But what made it so popular? How did this particular substance become the stuff of history? Join Ben and Noel as they delve into the fascinating, morbid story of arsenic.

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The Orphan Train: That Time the US Auctioned Children Via Rail

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 15:13:01 +0000

New York was a pretty terrible place in the late 1800s. The population was riddled with disease, crime, and terror -- things were especially bad for the virtual army of street urchins. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max learn how one man created an innovative (and imperfect) system to save New York's orphans: shipping them to the Midwest en masse, and auctioning them off to farmers.

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20 Questions: A Ridiculous Crossover, Part Two

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Long-time listeners will know Ben, Noel and Max are big fans of their peer podcast, Ridiculous Crime -- but what happens when the guys join forces with Elizabeth, Zaron and Dave? Tune in for the long-awaited conclusion to our first team-up, as Ridiculous Crime and Ridiculous History seek to stump each other in a lively game of 20 Questions, all based on strange historical flexes.

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CLASSIC: The Killer Marketing Campaign Behind Guy Fawkes

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Nowadays people across the planet are familiar with the story of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. People even celebrate the anniversary of the event, often interpreting it as a protest againt overarching government authority. However, as Ben and Noel learn in today's Classic episode, the real story is a bit more complicated. Some historians believe Fawkes and the crew he worked for were set up by factions of the government -- making the Gunpowder Plot something between a false flag attack and a killer marketing campaign.

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CLASSIC: When Ancient India Beat Machiavelli to the Punch

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 19:51:42 +0000

Commonly regarded as one of humanity's premiere works on the art of pursuing and securing power, Niccolò Machiavelli's book "The Prince" has become so popular that the name of its author is synonymous with unethical behavior in the modern day. However, it turns out that Machiavelli himself wasn't the first proponent of ruthless behavior -- the author (or authors) of ancient India's Arthashastra outlined incredibly similar strategies almost 2,000 years before the publication of Machiavelli's masterpiece. Tune in to learn more with Ben and Noel in this Classic episode.

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The Preposterous History of Artificial Flavors, Part Two: Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 13:08:02 +0000

What makes a flavor "artificial," exactly? Why doesn't banana candy taste like bananas in the grocery store? What on Earth is the flavor behind "Juicy Fruit" -- spoiler, the answer will surprise you. In the second part of this week's special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the delightful origin of modern synthetic flavor science.

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CLASSIC: The Rise of Harvey Wiley's Poison Squad

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Nowadays U.S. grocery shoppers can be reasonably certain that the foods they purchase are safe (if not healthy). Yet this wasn't always the case. In today's episode, we explore the story of one extremely driven, imperfect man, on a mission to clean up America's food industry. Harvey Wiley didn't think it was enough to conduct conventional safety studies, either -- he jumped straight to human experimentation. Join the guys as they delve into the strange story of Harvey Wiley and the Poison Squad in this weekend's Classic episode.

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The Preposterous History of Artificial Flavors, Part One: The Vanilla Problem

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:25:03 +0000

For most of human history, people were locked in a continual struggle to find food and avoid starvation. Eating for pleasure wasn't really a thing the common person could do. However, as time went on and technology improved, eating became as much a recreation as a hobby -- and this led civilization to the fascinating, ridiculous world of artificial flavors. In the first part of this week's special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the science of flavor, and use the story of vanilla as a way to understand the problems that led to synthetic flavoring in the first place.

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"Right on," Said the Pope: How the Swiss Guard became the Elite Protectors of the Vatican

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 21:43:39 +0000

At first glance, the Vatican's security service makes no sense. The Swiss Guard is an elite force from, well, Switzerland. So what the heck are these guys from a notoriously neutral nation doing so far down south? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origin and evolution of the world-famous Swiss Guard.

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CLASSIC: Step Aside, James Bond: The Strange Stories of Espionage Animals

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

It's no secret that espionage and spycraft are common tools in the murky realm of geopolitics -- but not every spy is some sort of James Bond type character in a bespoke suit with a penchant for martinis. In fact, some spies aren't even human. Join Ben and Noel as they dive -- and fly -- into the strange stories of animal spies and nonhuman government operatives, from crows to dolphins, sea lions, cats and more.

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Ottoman Harems Were Disturbing and Ridiculous, Part Two: A Real-life Game of Thrones

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Behind the heavily-guarded walls of the palace, the Ottoman Empire's harem was a world all its own. In the second part of this special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max delve into the dangerous world of deceit, espionage and intrigue that defined the lives of people from across the empire, often taken by force from their homes to serve the Sultan.

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Ottoman Harems Were Disturbing and Ridiculous, Part One: Busting Myths

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:15:51 +0000

For centuries, westerners devoured lurid, embellished stories about the mysteries of Near Eastern culture -- and, chief amid their fascinations, the idea of the Sultan's harem. But what exactly was this thing, and how did it actually work? In the first part of this two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max bust some myths about the harem system that continue, weirdly enough, in the modern day.

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Popeye Changed America, Part Two: Popeye Ain't Perfect

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 12:00:00 +0000

As Popeye's popularity continued to skyrocket through the Great Depression and the second World War, his pantheon of related characters only grew. And, spoiler: not all of the characters aged well. In the second part of this special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore how Popeye created a surprising amount of American slang, became a propaganda tool for the allies, and finally answer the question: Does Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen have anything to do with Popeye the Sailor Man?

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Popeye Changed America, Part One: A Breakout Star

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:29:43 +0000

Nowadays Popeye the Sailor Man is a world-famous icon, represented in almost any form of media you can imagine. Yet this wasn't always the case. In part one of this special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max delve into the story of how Popeye started. Tune in to learn a ridiculous, one-off joke character in a comic strip called Thimble Theatre quickly became the most popular draw of the series, launching a media empire that outlived its creator and continues in the modern day.

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CLASSIC: How Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Influenced Star Trek

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Star Trek is one of the world's most well-known sci-fi franchises, spanning decades in film, TV, books, games and more. While it's had its fair share of lighthearted moments (hello, Tribbles!), its vision of a more equal, peaceful human civilization has made a profound impact on real-world politics and race relations. Join the guys as they explore how a single conversation with a surprising Star Trek fan shaped the course of the show -- and the course of US culture -- in this week's Classic episode.

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CLASSIC: What was the 'Great Stink' of London?

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 05:09:03 +0000

Every city has its drawbacks -- parking, for example, or crime, or the price of a decent pizza slice -- but in the 1800s London faced a particularly unusual and disgusting problem: the city literally stank. And this wasn't an occasional whiff of urine or hot garbage from an alleyway, oh no. Instead, a pervasive stench permeated the area, an odor so strong that it disrupted Parliament, forcing the government to take action (and eventually rewriting our understanding of disease in the process).

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The Constitution is Amazing (and Ridiculous), Part Two: The Game of Amendments

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 16:07:18 +0000

The founders of the United States knew the Constitution wasn't perfect, and so they baked in a process for revising their original document. Today, the first few amendments are collectively known as the Bill of Rights -- but, as returning guest AJ Jacobs, author of "The Year of Living Constitutionally" reveals, there have been tons of other proposed amendments that didn't make the cut. Tune in to learn more in the second part of this special two-part episode.

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The Constitution is Amazing (and Ridiculous), Part One: A Troubled, Ambitious Origin Story

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:01:35 +0000

Something like 60% of Americans have never fully read the US Constitution. How did such a short document become one of the most important pieces of writing in human history -- and why are some parts of it arguably ridiculous? Ben, Noel and Max welcome returning guest AJ Jacobs, author of "The Year of Living Constitutionally," to learn more about this world-changing work... and how later leaders butted heads fighting over amendments.

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CLASSIC: How Farmers Built A Barbed Wire Phone Network

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Nowadays smartphones are an ubiquitous part of many civilizations, but not so long ago telephones of any sort were a rare commodity -- and the infrastructure was enormously expensive. When telephones hit the mass market, companies focused on densely-populated urban areas, leaving rural communities with no hope of getting a phone line. Until, that is, a group of MacGyver-esque farmers figured out an ingenious way to connect not just themselves, but everyone in their town.

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Ridiculous Video Game Tie-ins, Part Two: The Olympics and the Great Game of Chex Quest

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 18:07:50 +0000

Imagine grabbing a box of (at best) mid cereal, only to discover the greatest game, free withing the box. Imagine making an entire game based on an oft-maligned Olympic mascot! In the second episode of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the ridiculous past, present and future of video game tie-ins.

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Ridiculous Video Game Tie-ins, Part One: The Rise of Cool Spot -- and Fall of the Noid

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 20:03:05 +0000

Cast your memories back to the strange days of the 1980s and 1990s -- boy howdy, things were weird. At some point, marketing executives the world round realized that video games could be a new, powerful field of advertising. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the ridiculous evolution of video game tie-ins, from soda pop mascots to the notorious Noid of Domino's pizza (along with the tragic story behind the fall of the Noid).

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CLASSIC: The Strange Story of Canadian Margarine Bootleggers

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0000

True story: once upon a time, both Canada and the United States once had bizarre laws banning the production or importation of margarine -- and prohibition naturally led to crime. Today's classic episode asks: What launched the margarine bootlegging industry? Join the guys as they explore the startling, strange story of the Big Butter versus margarine.

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Malta: Tiny and Amazing, Just Like The Dog

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 16:30:15 +0000

How did this tiny, strategically crucial archipelago change the course of World War II? Join Ben, Noel and Max as they explore the deep -- at times, ridiculous -- history of Malta in the guys' continuing exploration of microstates.

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The Ridiculous History of Credit Cards

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 15:16:32 +0000

When you think about it, credit cards are a pretty fascinating idea -- they're convenient, ubiquitous and, often, predatory. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the strange origin story of the credit card.

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CLASSIC: San Francisco's Egg War

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0000

How much would you pay for an egg? Would you kill for one? In today's classic episode, join the guys as they explore the strange story of the Gold Rush, the Common Murre and Farallon Island -- the site of California's Egg War

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Skyscrapers, Part Two: An Arms Race to the Sky

Thu, 30 May 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Once society became convinced that you could build skyscrapers without them immediately collapsing, cities across the United States -- and, soon the world -- scrambled to build their own structures. In part two of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the continuing race to build the tallest, the strongest, and the most iconic skyscrapers.

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Skyscrapers, Part One: A Guy and a Birdcage

Tue, 28 May 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Skyscrapers are beautiful -- and utterly ridiculous. In the first part of this two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max learn how modern skyscrapers were largely inspired by one guy who, no kidding, saw a heavy book resting on a birdcage and thought "yes, that. But bigger!"

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CLASSIC: The Wild West Was Actually Pretty Chill

Tue, 28 May 2024 13:00:29 +0000

If you're like most people, the phrase "Wild West" conjures images of brutal gunfights in dusty, tumbleweed-ridden streets, visions of criminals slinking into the shadows of dimly-lit saloons and the vast stretch of lawless, unforgiving frontier. But how much of that image is actually true? Join Ben and Noel as they delve into the myth of the American frontier to discover how wild -- or mild -- it actually was in this week's Classic episode.

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On Theme, Part Two: The Cyclical Evolution of Music

Thu, 23 May 2024 14:03:16 +0000

As Ernest Hogan reaches new heights of success, critics turn against ragtime and "coon songs," prompting a larger conversation about the cyclical nature of music and society. In the second installment of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max join Katie Mitchell and Yves Jeffcoat, the creators of the On Theme podcast, to learn more about the complex relationship of creativity, capitalism, entertainment and race -- all found in the story of one brilliant composer: Ernest Hogan.

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On Theme, Part One: Ernest Hogan's Success and Regret

Tue, 21 May 2024 16:49:56 +0000

Today the world agrees minstrel shows were horrific, weaponized stereotypes meant to dehumanize people. But not too long ago, minstrel shows and the related "coon songs" were some of the most popular music in all of the United States. In part one of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max join Katie Mitchell and Yves Jeffcoat, the creators of the On Theme podcast, to learn more about the complex relationship of creativity, capitalism, entertainment and race -- all found in the story of one brilliant composer: Ernest Hogan.

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CLASSIC: How A Grudge Match Launched the Ford GT40

Sat, 18 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Today the Ford GT40 is one of the world's most iconic vehicles -- but this award winning automotive beast is, it turns out, the result of a serious grudge match. Join Ben, Noel and the gang as they delve into the strange, spiteful history of the Ford GT40 in today's Classic episode.

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The QWERTY Keyboard is Purposely Bad

Thu, 16 May 2024 21:12:17 +0000

If you're like most folks in the West, your laptop and phone use something called the QWERTY keyboard, named for the six letters at the upper left of the board. At first glance, this layout makes no sense. It's not in alphabetical order, and most of the typing is done by the left hand. So how did we end up with this thing? Join Ben, Noel and Max as they break down the strange story of the QWERTY keyboard -- and why it remains so commonplace today.

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Auction Houses: It's Not All Money Laundering

Tue, 14 May 2024 14:27:24 +0000

We've all heard of auction houses. Nowadays, these are often best-known as specialized institutions catering to international institutions and a small percentage of the obscenely wealthy -- but how did they get started? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the ridiculous (and at times disturbing) history of auction houses.

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Introducing: Sixteenth Minute (of Fame)

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Hi Ridiculous History Fans! Take a listen to the trailer of our newest show Sixteenth Minute (of Fame)

About the show: Sixteenth Minute (of Fame) is a weekly show from Jamie Loftus that takes a closer look at the internet’s main characters – one part reported, one part interviews, and one part Jamie collapsing her permanently internet-damaged brain. Whether it’s an enduring meme or a dreaded Character of the Day distinction, it’s the kind of notoriety that often results in little money, unwarranted attention, and a confusing blurred line of consent. What do you do when you get more attention and judgement than any one person is built to handle? The Sixteenth Minute of Fame is the place where we figure that out, putting people in the context of the moment they've been frozen inside of.

Listen here and subscribe to Sixteenth Minute (of Fame) on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!

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CLASSIC: "Vitamin Donuts" Were A Real Thing

Sat, 11 May 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Donuts: they're sweet, delectable and dangerous. Nowadays they're best known as a sugary snack or a nice accompaniment to a cup of coffee, but this wasn't always the case. In fact, for a few years manufacturers tried to sell them as -- believe it or not -- a health food. Join Ben and Noel as they explore the strange rise and fall of the infamous vitamin donut in this week's Classic episode.

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Thomas Nast, Part Two: A Cartoonist Conquers Corruption (and Moves to Ecuador)

Thu, 09 May 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Rising from humble beginnings, Thomas Nast soon became something very much like the conscience of America. His illustrated takedowns of corruption spoke directly to people who were often illiterate, reaching the common man. While Nast could be undoubtedly difficult to work with, he also had a strong (if imperfect) moral code. In the second part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into Nast's personal quest to oust the corrupt Boss Tweed, as well as the legendary cartoonist's late-life career switch: diplomacy in Ecuador.

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Thomas Nast, Part One: The Cartoonist Who Shaped America

Tue, 07 May 2024 18:43:45 +0000

Tons of people have a soft spot for their favorite cartoon or comic strip -- yet few have attained the social status of the legendary artist Thomas Nast, the caricaturist often referred to as the "Father of the American Cartoon." In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore Nast's early childhood, the beginnings of his career, and the path that led him to become, in a very real way, the conscience of America.

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CLASSIC: The Rotten, Sausagey Secret Origin of Botox

Sat, 04 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Today botox is one of the world's most well-known wrinkle treatments, as well as a go-to joke in the realm of pop culture. But where did this treatment come from, and what on Earth does it have to do with sausage? Join Ben, Noel and Max as they trace the origins of botox to one man's unending obsession with food safety and rotting pork in this classic episode.

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Books You Can't Read -- By Design!

Thu, 02 May 2024 14:16:08 +0000

Books are amazing. When you think about it, a good book can be a portal to another world. A book can a time machine, and the right story can genuinely change a person's life... so long as you can actually read it. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Matt delve into the strange stories of two books that -- we kid you not -- absolutely no one on Earth can read.

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La Maupin: The Swordfighting Opera Singer of France

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 16:55:25 +0000

During the era of Louis XIV, Julie D'Aubigny became one of the most popular criminals in all of high society. In today's episode, the guys welcome returning guest Ben Thompson, author and creator of Badass of the Week, to learn more about the swordfighter, opera singer, nun-heister and all-time badass known as La Maupin.

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CLASSIC: The Weird World of Meat Jell-O (A Gelatin Origin Story)

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Today Jell-O and other gelatin foodstuffs are generally relegated to world of desserts, but this wasn't always the case. In fact, gelatin took a long, strange path from ancient history to modern-day grocery shelves -- and got pretty gross along the way. Tune in to learn more about the bizarre world of savory gelatin in this week's classic episode.

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A History of Roller Coasters, Part Two: Higher, Faster, More Expensive

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 19:14:58 +0000

In the history of roller coasters, one thing became clear: the public wanted extremes -- the fastest, the highest, the most dangerous of rides. In part two of this week's series, the guys explore the rise of the first legitimate roller coaster tycoon, and ask their fellow Ridiculous Historians for help finding the best roller coasters of the modern day.

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A History of Roller Coasters, Part One: Early Ups and Downs

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 16:56:39 +0000

If you described the concept of a roller coaster to an alien, they'd probably be baffled: Why on Earth are humans purposely recreated the sensation of falling, flying and -- quite possibly -- feeling close to death? In the first part of this special two-part series, the guys explore the origin story of modern roller coasters, from the old days of "Russian Mountains" to an amusement arms race that continues today: the ongoing quest to build the biggest, highest, fastest rides on the planet.

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CLASSIC: London Made a Train for the Dead

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000

In the mid-19th century, London was literally filling with corpses. When the city was in the grips of a cholera epidemic, the already-overfilled cemetaries couldn't handle the extra bodies. So when there's literally no room in the soil for another dead body, what's a city to do? To the creators of the London Necropolis Railway, the answer was simple -- build a train for the dead. Tune in to learn some grisly, ridiculous history with Ben and Noel.

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The Page-turning Evolution of the Encyclopædia Britannica

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:52:12 +0000

In a burst of meta-humor, the Encyclopædia Britannica defines encyclopædia as "reference work that contains information on all branches of knowledge or that treats a particular branch of knowledge in a comprehensive manner." It's high praise -- but if there's any single book that's earned the right to describe itself this way, it's this one. Tune in as Ben, Noel and Max delve into the history of one of the world's most famous reference works (and check out our earlier episode on the Oxford English Dictionary, as well).

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A Ridiculous History of Worcestershire Sauce

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 18:50:33 +0000

It's tangy. It's salty. It's sweet. It's unctuous... but what exactly is Worcestershire sauce? Join Ben, Noel and Max on their continuing condiment journey as they explore the bizarre origin story of one of the world's most famous (and, arguably, strangest) sauces in today's episode.

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CLASSIC: Roald Dahl: Children's Author and Secret Agent

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Today author Roald Dahl is best-known for his prolific writing career -- but, as it turns out, he lived an entirely different life before he ever put pen to paper to create children's stories. Learn more about Roald Dahl's earlier life as a fighter ace, a legendary ladies man, and a World War II-era spy (seriously, like a real-life James Bond!) in this classic episode.

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Micronations: How Liechtenstein Became A Country

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 15:47:42 +0000

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a small, landlocked country out in the alpines -- and while it's a tiny nation, it has an enormous depth of history. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max continue their exploration of micronations with the last remnant of the Holy Roman Empire.

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Why Are There So Many Captain Marvels?

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 17:14:10 +0000

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird. It's a plane. It's... "definitely not Superman." At least, that's what Fawcett Comics told the courts, beginning a multigenerational, multiversal saga of strangeness that continues in the modern day. In today's episode, the guys ask: Why are there so many Captain Marvels?

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CLASSIC: When did ALL-CAPS type become YELLING?

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000

You've seen them before, whether in forwarded spam email, a strangely passionate TikTok comment: THE DREADED ALL-CAPS TYPER.Where does this practice come from? How did everyone agree that typing in ALL CAPS means you're yelling at someone via text? Join the gang in this classic episode as they... FIND OUT.

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Look at Us, Late to the Ridiculous History of Easter

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 21:39:03 +0000

Easter! It's a big deal, all across the world. And just like earlier celebrations of spirituality, it's been commodified in the United States. In today's episode, Ben, Max, and Noel sneak into the Sunday service just a bit late to explore how the ancient commemorations of rebirth gave rise to one of Christianity's most important holy days -- while also figuring where the heck this huge rabbit costume and egg hunt came from. Apologies to every substitute teacher playing this in class: we only tell the truth, and we tell it ridiculous.

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Royal Deaths, Part Four: The Unfortunate Lives of Scottish Kings

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 15:49:33 +0000

Have you ever shown off your favorite cannon, or deparately rode a horse through the night for a little birthday romance? If so, thank your lucky stars you didn't go out like two particularly unlucky Scottish kings. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they continue to explore the ridiculous deaths of royals in today's "Whoops, All Scotland" episode.

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The Delaware Wedge, Part Two: The Wedge and The Horn

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:37:15 +0000

As early miscalculations and subsequent confusion continued to build, Delaware found itself in a three-state beef over a tiny section of land -- and though the land itself might not be a large chunk of real estate, the beef it produced led to dangerous conflict more than once. Would the newly-minted US be able to resolve this internal discord without an inter-state war? Learn more in the second part of this two-part series.

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The Delaware Wedge, Part One: A Tiny State with Massive History

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:49:21 +0000

Although it's the second-smallest state in the US, don't let Delaware's diminutive geography fool you. This state has a tremendous economy, and loads of ridiculous history in its past. In this week's special two-part series, the guys dive into the history of a strange conflict that bedeviled the state from its early days all the way into the 20th century -- a contentious, tiny piece of land that almost led to open combat: this is the story of the Delaware Wedge.

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Back to the Choo-ture: the Enduring Nostalgia of Model Trains

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 14:15:26 +0000

What is it about model trains that so captivates people, young and old alike? How did they start as an icon of innovation, and then become such a treasured piece of nostalgia over time? In today's episode, the gang explores the history of model trains from centuries past to the modern day.

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PEZ: Candy or Anti-smoking Aid?

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 17:03:38 +0000

The Austrian candy brand Pez is perhaps more well-known for its iconic dispensers than for the candy itself. While they may seem commonplace today, these tablet-shaped bricks have a surprising origin story. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the original purpose of Pez: part candy, yes -- but also an innovative way to help Austrians stop smoking.

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Mobituaries with Mo Rocca, Part Two: What's Past is Prologue

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:36:36 +0000

What happened to the payphone? Were you also stunned the first time you saw Abe Lincoln without a beard? In the second part of this special two-part series, Mo Rocca explores the strange passage of the past to the present, and what we carry with us along the way. Join Ben, Noel, Max and Mo as they learn more about Mobituaries and the art of storytelling with a soul.

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Mobituaries with Mo Rocca, Part One: Mo Eulogizes The Pager

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:16:39 +0000

In the world of journalism and literature, there's nothing quite like the obituary. Sometimes called the first draft of history, an obituary can function as a love letter, a condemnation -- but, perhaps more than anything, a portrait of a person gone from this mortal plane. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max join the legendary journalist, author, correspondent and podcaster Mo Rocca, host of Mobituaries, to learn more about this unique genre of literature, from the history of obituaries to the art of crafting them. (Spoiler: Mo extemporaneously composes the definitive obituary of the pager in this one.)

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Awful Candy, Part Two: Peeps, Licorice, Wax Lips and More

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:22:53 +0000

Are you a fan of licorice? Have you ever encountered wax lips in the wild? Where do you stand in the great Peeps debate? Join Ben, Noel and Max as they continue to explore some of the world's most divisive candy in the second part of this special two-part series.

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Awful Candy, Part One: Tootsie Rolls Saved the War -- and Divided the World

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 15:43:13 +0000

Whether or not you have a sweet tooth, odds are you probably have some strong opinions about candy. Following up (finally!) on their earlier Halloween conversation, Ben, Noel and Max explore some of the most divisive candies on the planet.

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It Is Literally Time For The Leap Year Episode

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 14:24:16 +0000

Let's be honest: leap year sounds pretty nuts when you explain it. We have the regular 365-day year three times in a row, but every fourth year we add one extra day in February. (With... several other notable caveats.) Join Ben, Noel and Max as they figure out where leap year came from, why it's a thing, and whether it's still genuinely better than nothing.

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The Ridiculous History of Hot Sauce

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 14:16:14 +0000

Today, hot sauce is a global phenomenon, with millions of bottles sold every single year. But where does it come from? What makes it so popular -- and why won't water douse the heat when things get out of hand? Tune in as Ben, Noel and Max explore the spicy origin story of hot sauce.

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CLASSIC: Why does the Guinness Beer Company Track World Records?

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 15:23:26 +0000

Odds are you've heard about the Guinness Book of World Records, the famous, often inaccurate compilation of various impressive, important, and ridiculous feats from people across the planet. But how did it come about? How on earth did a brewer become the repository of all this strange knowledge? Tune in for a surprising peek behind the keg -- and into the cups -- of Guinness history and human ambition.

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20 Questions: A Ridiculous Crossover, Part One

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:47:05 +0000

Long-time listeners will know Ben, Noel and Max are big fans of their peer podcast, Ridiculous Crime -- but what happens when the guys join forces with Elizabeth, Zaron and Dave? Tune in for the first part of this two-part series, as Ridiculous Crime and Ridiculous History seek to stump each other in a lively game of 20 Questions, all based on strange historical flexes.

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Tecumseh's Curse, Part Two: Boy, It's Tough to be President

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 17:32:09 +0000

As curses go, Tecumseh's is, according to the legend, ridiculously specific. Every US President elected in a year divisible by twenty is doomed to meet misfortune, ruin and possibly death in office. But how did this curse acquire such purported specificity? In part two of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore how the curse entered popular culture, as well as the examples true believers point to as evidence.

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Tecumseh's Curse, Part One: Rise of The Prophet

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 20:41:46 +0000

Did the legendary Shawnee chief Tecumseh really lay a curse on US Presidents? In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive deep into Tecumseh's origin, his mission to unite Native peoples against the ruthless expansion of the new United States -- all to learn why so many people believe every president elected in a year ending with zero dies in office.

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History Is Absolutely Riddled With Famous Mistranslations

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000

True story: back in the late 70s, US President Jimmy Carter accidentally claimed he'd left the states forever, and wanted to sleep with everyone in Poland. According to legendary marketing lore, Pepsi accidentally told the nation of China that soda would bring their relatives back from the grave. And don't get us started on weird car names! Join Ben, Noel and Max as they explore some of history's most hilarious mistranslations in the first part of this ongoing series.

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Stuff That Got Left Over, Part Two: Hot Tubs, The Last Shantyman, President Taft Had Pet Cows

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 13:43:15 +0000

In our continually ridiculous mission to explore the funniest events of yesteryear, Ben, Noel and Max often leave some stones unturned. In today's episode the gang pays their respects to the last shantyman, asks why President Taft adopted not one but two cows, and explores multiple historic hot tubs they are not currently allowed to enter. (We end with a shoutout to our favorite turkey.)

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The Puzzler Returns, Part Two: A Field Trip to the CIA

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:19:14 +0000

True story: in the heart of the CIA headquarters at Langley, Virginia, there's a puzzle no one has solved. In the second part of this special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max join up with returning guest A.J. Jacobs to learn more about the enigmatic sculpture known as Kryptos.

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The Puzzler Returns, Part One: Puzzles and Spies

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 16:11:26 +0000

For most people, puzzles are a fun, fascinating diversion. Yet throughout history, they've also played a crucial role in the great game of espionage. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they welcome their returning guest A.J. Jacobs, author and creator of The Puzzler podcast, to learn more about the history of puzzles, codes and spies in part one of this special two-part episode.

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A Boeing Wonderland, Part Two: A Fake Rooftop City For All!

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 20:28:13 +0000

As paranoia increases in the wake of the Pearl Harbor attacks, amateur magician (and storied military official) John Francis Ohmer, Jr. finds Uncle Sam and Hollywood increasingly onboard with his idea of camouflaging entire compounds. In the second part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore how the US constructed a fake town atop Boeing's most important facility, weirdly named "Plant 2."

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A Boeing Wonderland, Part One: A Magician Tries to Camouflage Entire Airfields

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 03:17:41 +0000

In the wake of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, paranoia reigned across the western US -- and the country entirely. From California to Washington, civilians and the military alike were terrified that another attack was imminent. The country's aircraft manufacturers were prominent sitting ducks, and too inconvenient to move. With instructions to spin up manufacturing as soon as possible, the clock was ticking and no one was sure what to do. Enter John Francis Ohmer, Jr. -- a veteran, amateur stage magician and man obsessed with camouflage. He traveled across the states, pitching a crazy plan: "What if," he asked, "we keep all the aircraft facilities where they are... and just disguise them?" Tune in as Ben, Noel and Max explore the strange story of Boeing's Wonderland in part one of this two-part series.

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Calvin Coolidge Was Super Weird...and Surprisingly Cool

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 03:12:54 +0000

When President Warren G Harding passed away abruptly while in office, his Vice President Calvin Coolidge assumed in the role of Commander in Chief. Today, he's not as well-known as other US Presidents like Lincoln or Washington -- yet his history remains fascinating and unique. Tune in as the guys explore the strange story of the man sometimes known as "Silent Cal."

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The Ridiculous History of Baseball Caps: How One Hat Traveled the World

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 21:33:35 +0000

Nowadays it feels like everyone has a baseball cap at home... even though most of the folks wearing them do not, in fact, play baseball. So how did this one type of hat become so ubiquitous -- not just in the US, but the rest of the world? To answer the question, Ben, Noel and Max travel back to the early (hatless) days of baseball, following its evolution to the modern day.

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Breeching: A Weird Historical Obsession with Children's Pants

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 14:35:49 +0000

Have you ever looked at a childhood photo of a noted historical dude and thought -- huh, why did his folks put him in a dress? If so, you're seeing evidence of a strange parenting practice of yesteryear... the phenomenon known as breeching. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore how awarding a boy his first pair of pants became a rite of passage in Western society, and why it seems so strange in the modern day.

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The Salton Sea: How A Little Whoopsie Turned into Ecological Disaster

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 15:48:39 +0000

Located in southern Riverside and northern Imperial counties, the Salton Sea is California's largest lake. Although large seas have cyclically formed and dried over historic time due to natural flooding from the Colorado River, the current sea formed as the result of an accident during canal construction. And, ever since that moment, humans have been trying to figure out what to do next.

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CLASSIC: Digging Up James K Polk (For the Third Time)

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000

The average American may not hear much about James K Polk in school today, but during his time in office the 11th U.S. President was responsible for a number of tremendously significant policy movements. Today he and his wife are interred in the Tennessee State Capitol... but this was neither their first resting place nor, if certain lawmakers succeed, their last. So: Why do people keep digging up this President's remains? Join Ben and Noel as they exhume the posthumous journey of President Polk in today's Classic episode. (And don't worry, folks: we're back next week!)

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CLASSIC: The Atomic Whoops: When the US Air Force Bombed South Carolina

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 16:31:32 +0000

During the height of the Cold War, both the US and the USSR constantly ran drills in anticipation of a possible nuclear conflict. While the Gregg family of Mars Bluff, South Carolina knew the Cold War was in full swing, they had no idea that they would become the first American family bombed -- accidentally -- by the US Air Force. Ben and Noel explore one of the most bizarre atomic slip-ups in American history in today's classic episode.

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The History of Soda Pop is So Weird, Part Two: Nostalgia is a Heck of a Drug

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 02:10:55 +0000

Once humans nailed down the spicy art of carbonation, they went absolutely bonkers with flavors and gimmicks. While Coca-Cola and Pepsi may be the world's most famous sodas, hundreds of other drinks came and went -- some with a bang of success, and others falling as flat as a day-old Josta. In part two of this series, Ben, Noel and Max continue their exploration of soda pop history along with shoutouts to some of their favorite discontinued sodas.

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The History of Soda Pop is So Weird, Part One: The Saga of Spicy Water

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 17:46:49 +0000

There's nothing quite like the fizzy kick of soda -- since ancient times, cabonation beverages have always delighted and fascinated humanity... even though soda certainly isn't the healthies drink. In the first part of this two-part episode, Ben kicks soda as he, Noel and Max dive into the history of these amazing drinks.

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The Puzzler, Part Two: Waldo, Rubik, and More

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:15:43 +0000

How did the Rubik's Cube become a global phenomenon? Where exactly is Waldo? In part one of this series, legendary author and podcaster AJ Jacobs regales the gang with the wide world of Puzzlers, from early human history to the modern day.

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The Puzzler, Part One: The Crossword Moral Panic

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000

This week, Ben, Noel and Max welcome special guest, the legendary author AJ Jacobs, to explore the world's strangest historical puzzle crazes. In part one of this two-part series, AJ regales the gang with the moral panic surrounding early crosswords, armchair treasure hunts and much more. Spoiler: you can hear Ben and Noel on AJ's own show, The Puzzler.

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Christmas Has A Dark Side: The Krampus Episode

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000

As the western world gears up for its biggest holiday, the guys dive into the strange story of Krampus: a pre-Christian, pagan entity that somehow not only survived the arrival of Christianity -- but thrived, first as a side character in Central European holiday celebrations, then went global as more and more people enjoyed exploring 'the dark side' of Christmas. Spoiler: capitalism loves a franchise.

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A House Divided: Various Times Congress Tried to Beat the Snot Out of Each Other

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 19:43:52 +0000

Media pundits love to say America is 'divided as never before' -- but how true is that? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into multiple Congressional debacles, from that time a civil war almost happened (before the actual civil war) to that time one guy literally assaulted another dude with a cane, and much more.

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Scientists Who Were Horrifically Persecuted, Part Two: Alan Turing

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 20:02:37 +0000

Human history is absolutely riddled with cases of one person making a magnificent discovery -- only to be punished by the society in which they reside. In part two of this sadly continual series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the story of the legendary Alan Turing, who turned the tide of WWII... and was subsequently targeted, persecuted and betrayed by the United Kingdom.

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Serious Diseases with Seriously Funny Names, Part Two: Rickets, Brain Fever, and Maple Syrup

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 17:30:03 +0000

History is riddled with oddly-named diseases -- rickets, scurvy, brain fever and more. But where do these names come from? In the second part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the etymology of these strange and dangerous maladies.

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Serious Diseases with Seriously Funny Names, Part One: Dropsy

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 20:10:28 +0000

History is riddled with oddly-named diseases -- rickets, scurvy, brain fever and more. But where do these names come from? In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the etymology of these strange and dangerous maladies... starting with dropsy.

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Oh Man, James Joyce was a Dirty Dude!

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 17:14:51 +0000

James Joyce is, without question, one of the most famous authors in the English language. Millions of readers have enjoyed (and sometimes struggled with) his groundbreaking novels and short stories. However... that's not all Joyce wrote. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore some of Joyce's personal correspondence, which reaches levels of depravity that make the racy scenes of Ulysses pale in comparison. Warning: this episode contains graphic language and situations -- and, as such, may not be appropriate for all listeners.

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What's the Deal with Turkey on Thanksgiving?

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

It's Thanksgiving in the United States -- and Thanksgiving is weird! In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore some of the big questions about Thanksgiving: How did the parade become a thing? Why do the Cowboys and the Lions always play? How on Earth did turkey become the traditional main dish?

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Tammany Hall: America's Early Puppet Masters

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:05:25 +0000

It's no secret that politics can often have a dark side -- smoky backrooms, corruption and graft have always had their place in American history. And, amid all the corruption, few institutions are as infamous as Tammany Hall. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the origin, growth, and ultimate collapse of this thoroughly American, thoroughly corrupt, and thoroughly ridiculous political machine.

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The Hoover Dam is Ridiculous, Part Two: The Audacity!

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:38:30 +0000

As the railroads tried and failed to control flooding in the Salton Sink, state and federal leaders realized America needed a bigger solution. With the Great Depression in full swing, workers from across the country traveled to Vegas in hopes of working on the Hoover Dam. In the second part of this week's two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the construction of this modern marvel -- and bust some of the most popular Hoover myths along the way.

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The Hoover Dam is Ridiculous, Part One: Man Versus Nature

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:02:41 +0000

The next time you're in Vegas, rent a car and spend a day at the Hoover Dam. This towering, larger-than-life marvel of human engineering has fundamentally shaped the United States. But building it was far from easy. In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max recount the guys' adventure exploring the Dam in person... and the sheer, ridiculous audacity of the thing.

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CLASSIC: Waging War With Hallucinogenic Honey

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Honey is popular around the world, and for good reason. This addictively sweet substance is a common ingredient in hundreds of recipes, and people historically believe it has medicinal properties in addition to, well, being delicious! But in certain areas of the world honey is much more than a sweet ingredient -- it's a disturbingly effective weapon of war. In today's classic episode, the gang revisits the story of "Hallucinogenic Honey".

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CLASSIC: Ben Franklin Tried To Reinvent the Alphabet

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

"For such a popular, well-known language, English is full of strange, seemingly arbitrary rules. Most people just accept these various idiosyncrasies... but Benjamin Franklin was not most people. In today's classic, listen as Ben and Noel explore Franklin's strange quest to revise the English language by cutting out old letters (and inventing new ones)."

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CLASSIC: When the Puritans Canceled Christmas

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Nowadays Christmas is a globally-recognized holiday celebrated by millions of people, but in the past this wasn't the case. In fact, some groups of Christians detested the holiday, going so far as to ban it completely. So what led Puritans to ban one of the most prominent celebrations in the Christian faith? In today's classic episode, the gang revisits the breakaway Christians that genuinely found Christmas un-Christian.

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How Did Trick-Or-Treating Become a Thing?

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:56:28 +0000

Every year at the end of October, countless children (and adults) don costumes and head into the night, going door to door with the same ritual cry: Trick or Treat! But where did this odd practice come from? In today's special Halloween episode, the guys explore the ancient predecessors of this tradition... as well as the more extreme versions, where there's way more emphasis on tricks than on treats.

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The Tangled History of Topiary, Part Two: That Shrub Is Looking at Me Funny

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 20:52:46 +0000

Ben, Noel and super producer Casey Pegram dive back into the weeds of the surprisingly ancient (and ridiculous) art of trimming flora into bizarre and elaborate shapes. It’s a practice that had a habit of falling in and out of fashion depending on the whims of whoever was in power. Were topiaries simply an elaborate flex for the super rich or something that could be appreciated by everyone? Or maybe both?! Find out in this second part of the history of topiaries.

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The Tangled History of Topiary, Part One: The Ancient Art of Fancy Plants

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 21:49:37 +0000

If you've ever looked at a bush and thought "this would be way cooler if it was shaped like a rabbit," then you're part of a long line of topiary enthusiasts throughout history. This ancient art of shaping, training and trimming plants and trees into fanicful, decorative shapes dates back into antiquity. In this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Casey dive into the origin story of twisting, tangled origin story of topiary (and how it's way weird than you might think).

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Scientists Who Were Horrifically Persecuted, Part One

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 13:30:08 +0000

Today, scientists are treated with respect (for the most part), but this wasn't always the case. In the first part of this recurring series, Ben, Noel and Casey explore the ridiculous, at-times tragic stories of scientists who were persecuted for their discoveries.

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The Crappy, Commodious History of Toilets

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 23:55:28 +0000

Since the dawn of civilization, humanity has been trying to figure out where to put all its poop. While it's easy to take your average flushing commode for granted, it turns out thousands of years of research went into creating the toilets we use today. Tune in as Ben, Noel, and Casey dive into the bizarre history of modern restrooms.

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Aaron Burr, Part Two: The Fall of a Guy Nobody Liked

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

In the second part of this series, Ben, Noel and Max explore how Burr's struggle to acquire political power seemed to lead him, again and again, into conflict with his frenemey Alexander Hamilton -- a rivalry that would ultimately culminate in a fatal duel. Spoiler: Aaron Burr survives. His career does not.

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Aaron Burr, Part One: The Rise of a Guy Nobody Liked

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Thanks in large part to the musical Hamilton, Aaron Burr has re-entered the public zeitgeist. In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the rise of Aaron Burr, from his unfortunate early life through his heroic exploits through the American Revolution into his ...mixed experience with US politics.

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Royals Who Died on the Toilet: Our Classiest Episode Yet

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

In the newest installment of this continuing series on weird royal deaths, Ben, Noel and Max explore intensely ...crappy... stories of royals who, despite all their worldly power, died on the toilet. Tune in to hear what may be the lads' classiest podcast yet.

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That Time Indiana Tried to Change Pi

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Pi itself is pretty ridiculous. This number -- the ratio of the circumference of any circle to the diameter of that circle -- appears to continue into infinity, with no predictable pattern. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore something even more ridiculous: that time in 1897 when an amateur mathematician named Edward J. Goodwin almost persuaded the state of Indiana to legally change the meaning of Pi. Tune in to hear how he would have got away with it, were it not for the accidental intervention of another guy who just happened to be in the room.

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Why Don't People Wear White After Labor Day?

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 19:51:42 +0000

The boys hit the road, traveling to Las Vegas and recording live. In this special episode, Ben, Noel, Max and guest producer Paul Dechant explore the evolution of Labor Day, from its origin to the strange -- and, let's be honest, ridiculous -- tradition of avoiding white clothing. With a special shout out to Max's snazzy Wedding White Pants.

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Introducing: McCartney A Life in Lyrics

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Hi, Ridiculous History fans! Listen to McCartney: A Life in Lyrics hosted by Paul McCartney! A new masterclass podcast that dives into an improvised journey with one of the most beloved figures in popular music. Each episode is centered on one song in McCartney’s catalog – from early Beatles to his solo work. Don't just take our word for it, check out the trailer to decide for yourself!

About McCartney: A Life in Lyrics: McCartney: A Life in Lyrics is a master class, a memoir, and an improvised journey with one of the most beloved figures in popular music: Paul McCartney. Each episode is centered on one song in McCartney’s catalog – from early Beatles to his solo work. Over the course of the podcast, listeners sit in on conversations between McCartney and the poet Paul Muldoon about the people, experiences, and art that inspired McCartney’s songwriting. The stories are richly interwoven with music and sounds contemporary to each song, providing a revelatory, entertaining window into a truly iconic creative genius. The first season is 24 episodes, but there is a treasure trove of tapes of more than 150 of McCartney’s songs.

Listen to McCartney: A Life in Lyrics on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!

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Michigan Has Its Own Bermuda Triangle

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:48:35 +0000

It's true! At least, to some. For decades various people have claimed Michigan has its own area of intense paranormal activity -- UFOs, ghosts, disappearances, you name it -- and they've mapped out something called "the Michigan Triangle." In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max look through the evidence to determine whether these stories are true, or... you know. Ridiculous.

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The Road to Modern Basketball, Part Two: How Dribbling Became A Thing

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:30:09 +0000

As James Naismith's new sport became increasingly popular, more and more people looked for ways to evolve, adjust, or flat-out change Naismith's original rules. In the second part of this series, Ben, Noel and Max explore how basketball continued to change over time -- and how some kids at Yale found a loophole to "pass the ball to themselves."

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The Road to Modern Basketball, Part One: Naismith and "The Incorrigibles"

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:57:30 +0000

These days basketball is a billion dollar cultural phenomenon -- but where did it come from? In the first part of this week's series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origins of basketball, starting with the moment a young James Naismith was asked to distract a bunch of "incorrigible" students during the winter months.

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The 10th President's Grandson is Alive Today

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 01:41:09 +0000

John Tyler was the president of the United States from 1841 to 1845 -- and, while some historians may not remember him as the best of presidents, he has another claim to fame: one of his grandchildren is alive today. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the life and times of President Tyler, from his childhood in Virginia through the strange circumstances that led him to the presidency, his marriages, children, and more.

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Stuff That Got Left Over: Nukes

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 18:16:23 +0000

When the guys recorded their episode on broken arrows -- lost nuclear weapons throughout history -- they didn't get to one fascinating (and disturbing) tangent: the world of nuclear test sites. In the first episode of the continuing Leftover series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the astonishing, at times ridiculous, tales of nuclear test sites you can actually visit in the modern day.

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Ralph Nader Versus Big Auto

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 13:52:59 +0000

While Ralph Nader may not be everyone's favorite politician, he's responsible for some of the biggest life-saving changes in American government. In today's episode, Ben, Max and Noel explore how young Ralph transformed from an eccentric, hitchhiking student to a national champion of consumer rights. This is the story of the man who took on General Motors... and won.

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CLASSIC: Baguettes and Vacation: France versus Bakers

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000

You've probably heard that France takes its bread seriously -- but did you know France had specific laws governing the lives of bakers? For centuries the country regulated how and when bakers could close or take vacation. Although this may sound amusing now, in the past it was a deadly serious issue. So what happened? In today's classic episode, let's revisit the events that lead to the French government being so frightfully concerned about bakers taking time off.

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Everyone Was Covered in Poop: A Grimy History of Soap

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 21:15:31 +0000

Today, soap is ubiquitous. It comes in thousands of forms, brands, and varieties -- but this wasn't always the case. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the theoretical origin story of soap, and how humanity eventually decided (after a few stops and starts) to literally clean up its act.

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Behind the Logo: The Story of the Nike Swoosh

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 01:23:58 +0000

Everyone knows the Nike swoosh — but where did it come from? In today’s episode, the guys dive into the origin story of one of the world’s most recognizable brands, from its humble beginnings to its status as a modern-day icon.

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The Architecture of Spite, Part Three: The Pie House and a Scorned Argentine

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 21:35:34 +0000

How far would you go in the name of love? In this installment of The Architecture, Ben, Noel and Max dive into more amazing -- and ridiculous -- tales of people who literally constructed buildings as a means of revenge.

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The Architecture of Spite, Part Two: Macy's and The Skinny House

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:42:42 +0000

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The Ridiculous History of Intellectual Property, Part 2: When Things Get Weird

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 20:20:03 +0000

Who owns an idea? Who should -- or should not -- profit from a concept? In part two of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the modern history of intellectual property... including what happens when court cases go off the rails into ridiculousness.

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The Ridiculous History of Intellectual Property, Part 1: The Ancient Past

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 20:48:40 +0000

Today the concept of intellectual property, or IP, is pretty well-established. And this notion of ownership over some often intangible concept, brand or idea may seem like a product of the modern age -- but, as it turns out, it's much, much older than that. In part one of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the ridiculous history of IP.

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World War II's Alaskan Front: The Aleutian Island Campaign

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 14:56:55 +0000

Alaska is known for its stunning beauty, harsh climate, and remoteness -- but it was also the site of an intensely strange series of battles between the Japanese and US militaries. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore how two of the world's most powerful militaries fought over three small islands off the Alaskan coast... and why the battle almost became forgotten in the modern day.

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Micronations: The Amazing Story of Vatican City

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 19:59:48 +0000

Despite the name, Vatican City is an independent, sovereign nation -- and its history may surprise you. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the story of the Vatican from its origins all the way to the modern day.

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The FBI versus Hip-Hop

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Nowadays, hip-hop is everywhere -- this genre informs countless aspects of modern music around the world. Shortly after its creation, power structures in the United States sought to suppress this music, perceiving it as a threat to the status quo. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the success of rap... and how the FBI accidentally helped the legendary NWA reach worldwide success.

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The Inventor of the Saxophone Had Some of the World's Worst Luck

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 01:25:16 +0000

Today the saxophone is a well-known musical instrument, popular across the planet. But, when you learn the story of its inventor Adolphe Sax, you quickly learn it's amazing he survived long enough to invent the saxophone in the first place. In today's episode, Ben, Max and returning special guest Lauren Vogelbaum dive deep into Sax's bizarre -- dare we say ridiculous -- habit of repeatedly injuring himself and almost dying due to any number of nearly-unbelievable accidents.

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Animals On Trial, Part 2: Legal Personhood "Goes Wild"

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:44:49 +0000

Given that more and more evidence shows all kinds of non-human animals are capable of experiencing grief, loss, joy and pain, should they not have some of the same legal rights guaranteed (in theory, at least) to humans? In the second part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore legal cases around the world wrestling with this issue.

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Animals On Trial, Part 1: Tons of Animals Went to Kangaroo Courts

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:08:08 +0000

While the the concept of a court system is an entirely human invention, it turns out non-human animals have been in some sort of court not once, but countless times across the span of history. In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the strange way in which early court cases against animals led to animal rights.

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Broken Arrows, Part 2: In Which Actions Have Consequence

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In part two of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive further into the (objectively disturbing) truth about just how many nuclear weapons are currently MIA. The gang speculates on the implications of these missteps -- and, as they wonder about the consequences of their actions,

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Broken Arrows, Part 1: Whoops, Where's Our Nuke?

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 21:13:39 +0000

Nuclear weapons are one of the most dangerous things humanity ever invented. So while we might reasonably assume people would keep a close eye on these potentially world-ending bombs and missiles...we would be wrong. In this week's two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the harrowing, ridiculous times humans absolutely lost track of live nukes -- some of which are still out there, somewhere, in the modern day.

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New Providence: That Time Pirates Had A Government

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 14:43:29 +0000

The so-called Golden Age of Piracy was a time of lawless, terrifying, at-times amazing and objectively ridiculous history. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Matt explore a fascinating claim: Did some anti-authoritarian pirates really form their own government?

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Tons of People Married Their First Cousins

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:50:43 +0000

What do Albert Einstein, Jesse James and Saddam Hussein have in common? Like many notable figures throughout history, these men ended up marrying their first cousins. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the stories of how these historical figures ended up in romantic relationships with members of their extended families.

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Lost Media, Part 2: The Magnificent Ambersons

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:02:13 +0000

True story: Orson Welles has a film no one will ever see. In the second part of this continuing series, the guys explore "The Magnificent Ambersons," from its origins to its adaptations all the way to what could have been Our Pal Orson's next masterpiece -- only to end up as his most haunting regret.

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The Ridiculous History of "Snake Oil"

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Nowadays, "snake oil" usually means a fake medicine or treatment that claims -- with no evidence -- to cure any number of medical conditions. But where did this term come from? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the story of Clark Stanley, the Rattlesnake King who (accidentally) helped create the modern FDA.

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Badass of the Week, Part 2: Rise of the Kung Fu Werewolf

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:21:53 +0000

Everyone can agree the story of T'ai Djin is amazing -- he was born afflicted with a rare genetic condition that made him look like a werewolf, was adopted by Shaolin monks and became the most badass guy in China -- but how much of the story is fact, and how much is fiction? In part two of this week's series, the guys chat with Badass of the Week creator Ben Thompson about T'ai Djin, the nature of heroism, myth, and much, much more.

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Badass of the Week, Part 1: An Origin Story

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 15:32:21 +0000

What makes an historical figure larger than life? Since 2004, author and historian Ben Thompson has been writing about the most badass people in history, from generals to saints, from pioneers to criminals. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben (Bowlin), Noel, and Max hang with the creator of Badass of the Week.

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That Time Abe Lincoln Trolled His Way Into a Real-life Duel

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 14:41:02 +0000

In 1842, Abraham Lincoln wrote an article clowning a guy named James Shields. Although the article was satirical, and attributed to a made-up author, Shields still didn't love the joke. Some of Abe's friends -- including his future wife -- joined in, and, eventually Shields had enough. He demanded satisfaction, and challenged Lincoln to a duel. It... didn't go as planned. Tune in to learn more about the ridiculous escapades of one of America's most beloved presidents.

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The Creation of (and Backlash Against) Father's Day

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000

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Colorado's Ridiculous, Disturbingly Corrupt 1904 Election, Part Two: Everyone Resigns

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 17:24:06 +0000

What happens when both candidates in a gubernatorial election are cartoonishly corrupt? That's the question Colorado wrestled with back in 1904 -- in part two of this special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the cavalcade of chicanery that led not one, but two Governors to resign within hours of taking office.

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Colorado's Ridiculous, Disturbingly Corrupt 1904 Election, Part One: Let's Jump Off The Train

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:30:58 +0000

Elections are somewhere between sports and religions for the United States. It seems that, each and every time, people have problems with the official results. In this week's special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive deep into one of the most ridiculous elections in all of US history: two candidates for state governor went head to head. They fought dirty. They both tried to fix the vote -- and both loudly complained about the other along the way.

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How Horrible Chocolate Helped Win World War II

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 18:13:45 +0000

A successful military hinges on nutrition, and modern warfare is no different. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive to the strange deal Uncle Sam made with the Hershey chocolate company: creating a candy bar that tasted terrible -- on purpose.

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Micronations: How a Guy Got Ran Out of Town and Created San Marino

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000

While San Marino may not make many international headlines, this micronation has one of the most fascinating origin stories in all of Europe. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore how a formerly rural area just about 6 miles from Rimini became a home for a stonemason hoping to get away from it all.

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The Library of Congress is Full of Super Weird Stuff

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 14:54:50 +0000

Since 1800, the Library of Congress has functioned as the national library of the United States. Don't let the name fool you -- this institution isn't just a bunch of dusty old tomes and long-forgotten letters from politicians. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore some of the weirdest things in the joint, from ancient cuneiform to human hair and, honestly, some stuff so lewd that we decided not to put it in the description.

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That Time A Guy Literally Bought The London Bridge

Tue, 30 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Let's say you have a big dream: you're creating a new community, smack-dab in the middle of nowhere. Problem is, not a ton of people want to live in the middle of nowhere. When Robert McCulloch saw his newest venture wasn't going as planned, he came up with a thoroughly American scheme... in a ridiculous display of ambition and extravagance, McCullough purchased the London Bridge -- and shipped the entire thing to Arizona.

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We Got Super Into Toy Cars, Part Two: Rivalry and Nostalgia

Thu, 25 May 2023 16:35:03 +0000

As the toy car industry exploded, new companies entered the market -- but the Matchbox/Hot Wheels rivalry remained front and center for collectors and distributors alike. In the second part of this special two-part episode, we explore what happened to all those old toy car companies... and why you should always (always!) hold on to your old toys.

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We Got Super Into Toy Cars, Part One: Matchbox versus Hot Wheels

Tue, 23 May 2023 15:26:21 +0000

Remember toy cars? Ben, Noel and Max investigate the surprisingly weird evolution of old-school, die-cast car models from their origins to the modern day, ultimately asking what happened to the fad. Bonus points for everyone taking a Matchbox or Hot Wheels toy and vrooming-vrooming around as we explore this one.

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Why The Creator of Mother's Day Got So Mad About Mothers' Day

Thu, 18 May 2023 22:42:28 +0000

Continuing our grand tradition of being a bit late to things, we celebrate Mother's Day with an exploration of the multiple women -- activists, poets, and heroes -- responsible for creating a tradition that continues across the world in the modern day. Bonus points if you call your Mom right after listening.

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Micronations: Monaco is More than a Casino!

Tue, 16 May 2023 13:11:28 +0000

For the vast majority of the world, Monaco seems like something out of a billionaire's fever dream -- completely surrounded by France, this tiny country is perhaps best known for the wealth of its residents and its opulent approach to gambling. However, there's much, much more to the story. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origin story of this unique micronation, from the ancient past to the modern day.

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Fonts They Love to Hate, Part Two: Papyrus, Times New Roman and Beyond

Thu, 11 May 2023 21:16:05 +0000

From serif to san, from kerning to Krueger, it turns out people have some pretty extreme opinions about fonts. In part two of this special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the nature of print. Papyrus, New Times Roman, Wingdings -- if you can name a font, it turns out there's a story behind it.

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Fonts They Love to Hate, Part One: Origins of Comic Sans

Tue, 09 May 2023 13:25:02 +0000

While many people outside of graphic design may not think about fonts in a conscious manner, it turns out the way a word is depicted can have a huge impact on how you process the information. In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origins of some of the world's-least favorite fonts.

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Even More Ridiculous Royal Deaths

Thu, 04 May 2023 18:55:55 +0000

As the old saying goes, it's good to be king -- unfortunately, it can also be pretty dangerous. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore strange royal deaths, from a mysterious accident/assassination to a fatal chair, a drunken boat ride and more.

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A (Completely Different) History of Sampling: Free Stuff

Tue, 02 May 2023 20:47:12 +0000

In the ridiculous aftermath of their series on music samples, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the scrumptious, weird history of everything from free samples in grocery stores to the bizarre evolution of freebies in general. Strap in, Ridiculous Historians: it's much weirder than you think.

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A History of Sampling, Part Two: Creativity in Court

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 19:40:33 +0000

What happens when your favorite artist uses a sample in their own work? Are they merely inspired, or are they stealing? In the second part of this special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the -- wait for it -- ridiculously complicated legalities surrounding the science and art of sampling in the modern day.

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A History of Sampling, Part One: An Origin Story

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 19:28:26 +0000

In the world of music, sampling is somewhere between an art and a science. In this week's special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the strange, fascinating evolution of sampling, from the early days of cutting physical tape to the dawn of hiphop and more. (Spoiler, we also spend some time talking about our recent Monster Jam adventure.)

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How Did Monster Trucks Become a Thing?

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 17:22:44 +0000

Even if you're not a fan of cars or racing, you've heard of monster trucks -- they're the huge, modded vehicles famous for committing acts of wanton destruction in arenas and stadiums across the United States. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into their strange origin story... along with the rivalries that ensued offstage.

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The Ridiculous, Scrumptious Desserts of Mardi Gras

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 22:29:06 +0000

From the epic parade to the krewes and flambeaux, Mardi Gras is a celebration chock-full of tradition -- and these traditions include some pretty amazing desserts. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the most ridiculous Mardi Gras desserts (spoiler: it goes way past king cake).

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The Amazing History of Japanese Toys, Part Two: The World Takeover

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 15:07:40 +0000

As Matsuzo Kosuge struggled to keep his business afloat amid the chaos of war, he became incredibly inventive, using cast-off beer and soup cans as raw materials and setting up shop in abandoned cattle sheds. In the second part of this two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the rise of Japanese toys.

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The Amazing History of Japanese Toys, Part One: A Serious Business

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 17:58:21 +0000

When most of us think of toys, we fondly recall moments from childhood, or think of toys we gifted to loved ones over the years. Yet toys are a serious, big business -- and, more than once, they played a vital role in Japan's postwar economy. In part one of this week's special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the amazing story of master toymaker Matsuzo Kosuge.

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The Weird Journey of the $2 Bill

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 16:00:32 +0000

If you've spent your life in the US, you've probably seen a $2 bill every once in a while -- they're much less common than, say, the $1, the $10 or the $20. In fact, many people assume the $2 bill is a thing of the past... but that turns out not to be true. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origin of the Deuce, why it was so controversial, and why it's still around in the modern day.

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The Fascinating History of Ice Cream Trucks

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 19:31:12 +0000

The iconic ice cream truck holds a special place in American culture -- but where did they come from? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive deep into the waffle cone of ice cream history for the scoop on one of the world's most successful street food industries. (We also don't actually get to waffle cones, but that's a story for another day.)

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THE LAST SOVIET - EP 5: Three Hot Days in August

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 10:01:00 +0000

Sergei makes the decision to stay in the space station. But a few weeks later something happens that changes everything. Mikhail Gorbachev disappears. What happens over the next 3 days will decide the future of the Soviet Union once and for all. Three days that changed the world.

Like what you hear? Follow us @kscope_nyc on Twitter and Instagram.

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The Strange Tale of Charles Entertainment Cheese, Part Two: Betrayal and Nostalgia

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 18:31:28 +0000

As Nolan Bushnell's Chuck E. Cheese concept took America by storm, competitors entered the field. In the second part of this two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore how Charles Entertainment Cheese weathered numerous ups and downs through the decades -- along with some pretty weird trivia.

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The Strange Tale of Charles Entertainment Cheese, Part One: Atari and Pizza

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 18:01:06 +0000

For many Americans, Chuck E. Cheese is an immediate hit of pure nostalgia -- the pizza! The birthdays! The games! And, of course, the characters. In this week's special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive deep into the strange history of Chuck E. Cheese, from its founding days in the shadow of Atari, all the way to the modern day.

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CLASSIC: What's the Deal with Smashing Cake at Weddings?

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Weddings are an ancient tradition, and over the millenia the various rituals associated with (theoretically) life-long partnership have evolved and changed. One ritual in particular became both prominent and controversial in the West: the act of newly-married couples smashing wedding cake into each other's faces. So where did it come from? Why does it happen, and what do its critics think the practice means?

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CLASSIC: Conquest via Bird Poop: One Island at a Time

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0000

If you land on a deserted island, you might be tempted to search for the basic stuff first -- food, water, shelter, and so on -- but don't forget to keep an eye out for guano! Why, you ask? Well, due to a relatively obscure law, the presence of guano on a deserted island may allow you to declare it property of the United States! Sort of. Tune into today's classic episode learn more.

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The Architecture of Spite, Part One: Lovers, Loiterers and Murderers

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 17:54:58 +0000

At its best, architecture is a kind of poetry made tangible, frozen in time for generations to come. But, as it turns out, architecture can also be a tremendous avenue for all sorts of less cool emotions: pettiness, spite, vengeance -- you name it. In the first part of this recurring series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the wide, surprising (and, frankly, ridiculous) world of spiteful architecture.

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Turn, Turn, Turn: A History of Turn Signals

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 15:45:24 +0000

If you've ever been stuck in traffic, you know turn signals are a vital part of safe driving (though not everyone seems to think so). But where did these nifty little blinking lights come from? Why didn't they come along until years after the invention of the automobile? Join Ben, Max and Noel as they explore the strange evolution of signaling, from the early days of on-the-road hand gestures all the way to modern, electronic turn signals.

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The Oddly Dark History of Crash Test Dummies (Not The Band)

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 15:36:59 +0000

As automobiles took the world by storm, manufacturers quickly realized they needed to make a ton of safety improvements -- and fast. But how could you accurately determine what happened in a car crash, without risking human lives? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the evolution of crash testing... along with the little-known dark side of crash test dummies.

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A Legally Haunted House

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 20:00:07 +0000

These days, many people associate the idea of a 'haunted house' with horror novels, campfire tales and scary movies. But what happens when someone goes to court, claiming their new house is haunted? In celebration of International Women's Day, guest hosts Lauren Vogelbaum and Mykal Alder June take over to explore the strange series of events that led to New York officially declaring at least one house legally haunted.

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Let's Start a Coup! Ep 1 – A Basket Full of Fascists

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 09:07:00 +0000

Nowadays, most people can agree that fascism is, well, a bad thing. But back in the 1930s, life absolutely sucked for most Americans, and fascism still had a sort of new car smell. Wall Street bankers were convinced they could take their country back from the clutches of ‘class traitors’ like Roosevelt, sink the New Deal and put the United States on a better – meaning more profitable – path.

They had the money. They had an army. Now all they needed was a leader.

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The Deeply Weird Stories of Patron Saints

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 21:14:07 +0000

Did you know there’s a Patron Saint of (repentant) murderers? And another one for ugly people? In today’s episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore how some Catholic Saints became the holy intercessors for some — frankly, weird — things.

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Svetlana! Svetlana! The Strange Life of Josef Stalin's Daughter, with Dan Kitrosser

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 21:10:20 +0000

As the daughter of Josef Stalin, it's safe to say Svetlana Iosifovna Alliluyeva was never destined for a normal life. Still, no one could have predicted the bizarre globe-trotting adventures she would take as she escaped the Soviet Union and became the world's most famous defector. In today's episode, the guys sit down with award-winning playwright and screenwriter Dan Kitrosser to learn more about his newest project, a deep dive into the story of Svetlana -- much of which remained untold until today.

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Weird Epidemics, Part One: From Sweating to Pokemon

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 23:32:22 +0000

What makes people laugh uncontrollably, for hours at a time? Whatever happened to that 'Sweating Sickness,' and why did so many parents in Japan become convinced their children might die if those kids watched a certain Pokemon episode? Tune in as Ben, Noel and Max explore the strange commonalities of past epidemics.

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CLASSIC: When Scientists Hid Under Beds To Spy On Kids

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 14:27:32 +0000

Let's say you're a scientist -- how far would you go to carry out a study? Back in the 1930s, two intrepid researchers went into full spy mode, stalking college students in an effort to determine how they behaved when they didn't know they were being observed. In today's classic episode, we join Ben and Noel as they explore the strange, ridiculous and, at times, disturbing history of informed consent.

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Surprising Former Careers, Part III: Goldberg, Trudeau and Buscemi

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 21:49:12 +0000

While many celebrities and public figures are known for achievements in just a few specific fields, almost everyone has had more than a few odd jobs on the way to fame. Before she became a legendary actress, Whoopi Goldberg flexed her acting chops on some... mature phone lines. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was a jack of all trades before he finally entered politics. And iconic performer Steve Buscemi was, it turns out, one heck of a heroic firefighter both before -- and during -- his acting career. Tune in for the full scoop on this next installment of Ridiculous History's Surprising Former Careers.

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It Turns Out Blue Laws Aren't Entirely Terrible

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 19:59:52 +0000

If you've ever tried to buy beer at the wrong time in certain parts of the US, you may have run into the odd proscriptions known as blue laws. Originally intended as a way of enforcing Christian religious practices, these laws ban certain business and recreational activities -- not just booze! -- on Sundays. But what are these things, exactly? How did they come to be, and why did the Supreme Court ultimately rule them constitutional despite their religious origins? Tune in as Ben, Noel and Max set the record straight on blue laws... and don't worry, you can still listen to this episode on Sundays.

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Introducing: The Last Soviet

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Hey, Ridiculous History listeners! The newest hit docuseries of another star-studded podcast, The Last Soviet is live. Go check out the beginning of this thrilling journey with Lance Bass, NSync Superstar, and Russian-trained astronaut!”

About The Last Soviet: Lance Bass, NSync Superstar, and Russian-trained astronaut takes you on a wild ride into space. He tells the story of the last Soviet cosmonaut who is trapped on the world’s only space station, as the country he knows and loves collapses beneath him. On this journey through Earth’s atmosphere in the form of a podcast, Lance introduces you to the woman who won a reality show cosmonaut contest, a ham radio operator in Australia who became a lifeline for the Soviet Space Station, a hustler from Chicago who tried to sell coca-cola to the Russians and the editor of Playboy who took part in a revolution.

It’s one man’s dream to go to space, his dedication to the country he thought he knew and 313 days spent orbiting the Earth. 313 days that changed our world.

Plus, Lance’s own dream to go to space and the lengths he went to make it a reality.

Listen to The Last Soviet on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!

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The Origin of Moby Dick, Part Two: Horrors At Sea

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 21:27:01 +0000

Captain George Pollard Jr. was just 29 years old when his whaling vessel, the Essex, met with disaster. As the hapless crew struggled (and largely failed) to survive their horrific time at sea, they encountered starvation, madness, exposure and some fates arguably worse than death. In the second part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the harrowing, doomed journey of the Essex -- and how the tale later inspired Herman Melville's masterpiece, Moby Dick.

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The Origin of Moby Dick, Part One: Mocha Dick

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 20:45:13 +0000

Today, Herman Melville's magnum opus Moby Dick is lauded as a classic of American literature -- but it turns out Melville didn't invent the whole thing on his own. In the first part of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the story of a real-life white whale named Mocha Dick, and how his tragic story inspired Melville to create a fictional white whale all his own.

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The (Weirdly Crooked) History of the Food Pyramid

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 22:14:15 +0000

Nutrition is a big deal -- across the United States, tons of kids learned the basics of nutrition through a handy infographic called the 'Food Pyramid,' which laid out how much of a given food group the average person should consume. But there's much, much more to the story than what you'd see in the average textbook. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they dive into the story of the food pyramid -- and how big business successfully, time and time again, went up against science to make sure consumers kept, well, consuming.

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That Time Europeans Went Nuts For Dancing

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 17:24:44 +0000

If you've ever been to a great concert or a banging dance party, then you know sometimes the spirit can overwhelm you -- you might feel compelled to dance. For most people this is a delightful experience... however, this wasn't the case for several unfortunate communities in Medieval Europe. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the strange store of Europe's Dancing Plagues, also called St. Vitus' Dance.

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Star Trek Almost Never Happened, Part Two: In Which We Boldly Go

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 16:36:43 +0000

After just three seasons, the original run of Star Trek reached syndication -- which would become key to everything that happened afterward. In the second part of this series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the fundamental cultural shifts triggered by Star Trek, and how the depiction of a more equal society (however fictional that depiction might be) genuinely changed the world.

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Star Trek Almost Never Happened, Part One: Pilots and Peril

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 23:18:40 +0000

Nowadays Star Trek is more than just a show -- it's a global pop culture phenomenon, with measurable impacts on the real world. In part one of this special two-part series, Ben, Noel and resident Trexpert Max explore just how close Star Trek came, multiple times, to extinction.

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“It’s Edible!” The Origin of Breakfast Cereal, Part Two

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 23:54:23 +0000

Cereal is everywhere these days. While diet trends come and go, those ubiquitous boxes and mascots seem here to stay -- and, in some cases, it seems people are buying an idea as much as buying a foodstuff. In part two of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max trace the brilliant, at-times Machiavellian marketing moves that led cereal to glory... and ask how long those days may last.

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“It’s Edible!” The Origin of Breakfast Cereal, Part One

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 19:04:11 +0000

Cereal is everywhere nowadays, but how did it become a thing? For most of us, this stuff is the ultimate convenient breakfast, and even the most sugary varieties claim to offer nutritional benefits and a balanced start to your day -- even if those claims may be a bit... misleading. In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive deep into the (at times bizarre) origin story of modern breakfast cereal.

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Would-be Presidents, Part One: If At First You Don't Succeed...

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 15:50:16 +0000

It takes a lot of skill -- and luck -- to become the President of the United States. We always hear about the folks who won elections... but what about the folks who lost, not once, but multiple times? In part one of this continuing series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the strange stories of presidential candidates who ran and lost. Then ran again, and lost again. (And then sometimes ran, and lost, again.)

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The Leaf Blower Episode

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 02:33:57 +0000

Out of all the weirdly specific inventions for your yard, the leaf blower remains the most controversial (by far). In today's long-overdue episode, Ben, Noel and Max cut past the noise to figure out just where these things came from, how they work -- and why critics argue "the devil's hairbrush" isn't just annoying... but also potentially dangerous.

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The US Navy Teamed Up With Mobsters, Part Two: The Mob Goes to War

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 21:20:54 +0000

As the Mob clamps down on possible terrorists in the New York docks, the organization looks for new ways to expand their partnership with Uncle Sam -- as it turns out, they have a lot of connections in Sicily, and their assistance just may help the Allies win some decisive battles. Learn more in part two of this special two-part series.

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The US Navy Teamed Up With Mobsters, Part One: Luciano Gets Lucky

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 18:23:08 +0000

After the suspicious destruction of the USS Lafayette in Manhattan, the Navy became convinced saboteurs may be at work on American soil. There was another problem -- try as they might, they couldn't infiltrate the notoriously shady dockworker culture, which was in large part run by organized crime. This conundrum led to one of the strangest partnerships in the history World War II: the US Navy, hat in hand, came to the Mafia and asked for help. Tune in for more in part one of this special two-part series.

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CLASSIC: When People Thought They Were Made of Glass

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 16:26:10 +0000

In 1422, King Charles VI died after ruling France for more than 40 years. He was also remembered as Charles the Mad, in part because he was convinced that his body was made of glass and would shatter upon contact with other people. In today's classic episode, we will revisit this condition, known as the glass delusion, which would continue to pop up through medieval Europe until the late 19th century, seemingly disappearing in the modern day.

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CLASSIC: Nazis, Churchill and Chocolate

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 21:26:59 +0000

When Lord Victor Rothschild first heard the news, he was incredulous -- surely Nazi Germany wasn't seriously planning to assassinate Winston Churchill with an exploding chocolate bar. However, he learned the intelligence reports were solid. In today's classic episode, we will learn what Rothschild did to prevent this before the Prime Minister fell victim to a literal death by chocolate.

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Ridiculous Royal Deaths, Part Two: Don't Drink Mercury

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 16:37:38 +0000

Throughout history, despite all their occasional arguments to the contrary, members of royal families have been just as human as everyone else. In part two of this continuing series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into more stories of ridiculous deaths, from plans to become immortal, to an obsession with testing the boundaries of food allergies, and more.

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Ridiculous Royal Deaths, Part One: Revenge of the Buck-Toothed

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 19:35:15 +0000

It's no secret that the lives of historical royalty have often been filled with triumph and tragedy -- and, sadly, many royals have met strange, untimely ends. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into some of history's strangest (and most ridiculous) deaths.

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CLASSIC: When Dentist Sold Dentures Made with Corpse Teeth

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 17:00:00 +0000

Here in the modern day, most people don’t love going to the dentist — but we still have it much better than the dental patients of yesteryear! In today's classic episode, we join the guys as they dive into a strange, grisly story from the early days of dentistry.

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From Mesopotamia to Hot Dogs: A History of Mustard

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:11:42 +0000

Mustard! Whether you like it, love it, or hate it, you've almost definitely tried it in one of many varieties. In this installment of their continuing series on the ridiculous history of condiments, Ben, Noel and Max explore mustard's ancient origins all the way up the modern day.

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Coca-Cola, Dr. King, and the Civil Rights

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 16:36:51 +0000

When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. won the Nobel Prize, Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr. spearheaded a interdenominational celebration of King's work -- but many business leaders refused to go along. In fact, the whole thing may have fallen through were it not for the Coca-Cola company. Tune in to learn more.

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William Mitchell Was Basically a Real-life Willy Wonka

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Do you like Tang? Are you known to gobble Pop Rocks, or find yourself lying awake at night, worried about the world's supply of tapioca substitutes? If so, you might be surprised to learn one brilliant, prodigious food scientist single-handedly changed the world with these inventions and more. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the story of William A. Mitchell, the real-life Willy Wonka behind everything from Cool Whip powdered egg whites.

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The Olympics Used to Have an... Extraordinarily Weird Art Competition

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 21:53:20 +0000

Everyone's heard of the Olympics. This global competition brings athletes from around the world together to compete in various sports -- but, not too long ago, one man led the charge to bring artists, sculptors, musicians and more into the fray, with medal-worthy competitions of their own. In today's episode, the guys explore how this became part of the Olympics... and why the organization eventually revoked every single medal they awarded, striking these artists' work from the record.

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A Circus, or a Cult? The Strange Story of Shen Yun

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000

If you live near any large city outside of mainland China, you may have seen advertisements for the world-famous Shen Yun Performing Arts Company, a US-based non-profit known for its elaborate shows in over 130 locations across the planet. But you might not know the full story of this company's origin. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the strange origin of Shen Yun -- along with that of the religious movement, Falun Gong.

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J. Paul Getty, Part Two: A Kidnapping Discount

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 21:20:43 +0000

For members of the mob, the plot to kidnap J. Paul Getty's grandson was a home run -- after all, what's a few million to a literal billionaire? Yet, as it turns out... the mob didn't know who they were messing with. In the second part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore a series of terrifying events that led to one of most ridiculous examples of miserliness in human history.

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How A Massive Turkey Screw-up Created TV Dinners

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Hey, it's us, your pals Ben, Noel and Max from Ridiculous History. We figured the holidays can be stressful for everyone, and we're pretty sure you've heard the history of Thanksgiving countless times. So instead of telling you that story, we decided to celebrate by exploring the weird history of TV dinners and microwave meals -- none of which would exist if the food company Swanson hadn't accidentally found itself with 260 tons of leftover turkeys after Thanksgiving in 1953. So tune in; we hope it gives you a chuckle.

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J. Paul Getty, Part One: Money Doesn't Make You Happy

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 18:32:13 +0000

It's often said that money doesn't buy happiness -- and, in the tragic case of the Getty family, it seems that saying holds true. In part one of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore Getty's origin story, his infamously... let's say... 'thrifty' nature, and how he earned a reputation of one of the coldest businessmen in modern history.

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Have you heard of Andorra?

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 20:00:36 +0000

While it may be unfamiliar to many folks outside the region, the 6th-smallest country in Europe has a fascinating history all its own. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the strange origin story of Andorra, from its ancient past to the modern day.

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How Smart Was Alex the Grey Parrot?

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 18:47:57 +0000

Picked at random from a pet store, a humble grey parrot named Alex went on to fundamentally alter the way humans think about animal cognition. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore how animal psychologist Irene Pepperberg and her parrot pal Alex spent three decades proving it's actually pretty impressive to be 'bird brained.'

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Surprising Former Careers, Part 2: Truman Can't Sell Hats

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 19:20:56 +0000

Years before he became a world-famous actor, Christopher Lee did wetwork with elite special forces during World War II. Before entering public office, Harry Truman almost ruined his life by starting a haberdashery. In part two of this continuing series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the ins and outs of more surprising former careers.

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The Ancient -- and Surprisingly Divisive! -- Story of Ketchup

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 14:24:08 +0000

Ketchup is in almost 97% of US homes today -- and, while this statistic may sound surprising, it turns out there's a long story behind this humble condiment. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max trace the origin of ketchup from its ancient predecessors in Southern China and the Mediterranean to the introduction of the tomato all the way to the modern day. Tune in for the first episode in our continuing series on the history of condiments (and tell us which condiments you'd like us to explore next).

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The Bizarrely Xenophobic Origins of Scotch Tape

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 17:48:05 +0000

There's no two ways about it: tape is a pretty handy, amazing thing -- and one we often take for granted. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive deep into the origin story of Scotch tape, uncovering the weird prejudice behind the name, as well as the journey of the young man who changed the world with his... well, let's call it stick-to-it-iveness.

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Lost Media, Part Two: We Didn't Start The Fire

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 17:02:09 +0000

Silent films took the world by storm, but the material they were manufactured from was notoriously -- cartoonishly -- flammable. Soon multiple studio buildings were burning to the ground. There wasn't always a spark involved, either: sometimes this stuff just spontaneously combusted. In part two of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore how silent films became so endangered in the modern day.

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Lost Media, Part One: What Happened to All Those Silent Films?

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 12:09:53 +0000

For a relatively brief period of time, silent films rocked the world of entertainment. However, these nitrate- and acetate-based films proved both fragile -- and downright dangerous. In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the strange story of how so many silent films ended up lost forever.

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A Ridiculous History of Hot Tubs

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 20:50:17 +0000

While hot tubs may not always have the... best reputation in some circles, there's no denying people across the world love a good, hot soak after a long day. And we've loved this since antiquity, all the way back to the first time humans found natural hot springs. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the strange origin of hot tubs, from millennia past all the way to the modern day.

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Eugene V Debs, Part Two: A Prisoner Runs For President

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 14:37:10 +0000

As a known agitator, Eugene V. Debs soon caught the attention of the US power structure -- and his outspoken nature led to him to court. In part two of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore how the Espionage Act resulted in Eugene's incarceration... and how he ran for the office of President while literally imprisoned.

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Eugene V Debs, Part One: Railroad Workers Fight The Power

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 20:15:00 +0000

You may not have heard of Eugene V. Debs before this podcast -- but in his day this political activist was one of the most prominent (and at-times controversial) figures in the United States. In part one of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore Gene's origin story, from his early career in the railroad industry to his growing status as a trade unionist and agitator of the status quo.

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The Michelin Man was an Unhinged Lunatic

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 21:31:00 +0000

Virtually every foodie is aware of the Michelin Guide -- the last word in high-end restaurant ratings -- but originally came about as a way to sell more cars (and, ultimately, tires). In today's episode with research associate Geoff Bartlett, Ben, Noel and Max dive deep into the origins of the Michelin guide, as well as Michelin's iconic mascot Bibendum, the Michelin Man. Spoiler: the Michelin Man was originally the absolute worst mascot for anything related to driving. Tune in to learn why.

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The Yukio Mishima Story, Part Two: Mishima's End

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 14:55:59 +0000

In his heyday, Japanese author Yukio Mishima was one of the most well-known writers in the world. But where did he come from -- and what on Earth led to his strange demise? In part two of this two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max welcome research associate Zach Williams in his first on-air appearance.

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The Yukio Mishima Story, Part One: Confessions of a Mask

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 13:51:20 +0000

In his heyday, Japanese author Yukio Mishima was one of the most well-known writers in the world. But where did he come from -- and what on Earth led to his strange demise? In part one of this two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max welcome research associate Zach Williams in his first on-air appearance.

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Wait, How Do I Know It's Funny? A Rollicking History of Laugh Tracks

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 14:00:10 +0000

We've all heard them. You're watching or hearing a show, a character says something, and -- boom! -- an invisible choir of audience members loses their minds in riotous laughter, awws, or applause. But how did where does this come from? In today's episode, we're learning how this came to be, and how it eventually became its own worst enemy. Ben here: I'd like to give a special thanks to Max for some stellar sound design.

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Who, exactly, were the Luddites?

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 14:12:48 +0000

Today you'll hear people described as 'Luddites' if they don't care for -- or don't understand -- some newer piece of technology, but where did this phrase come from? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and guest producer Tari trace the term back to its surprising origin story ... a violent labor uprising that, these days, remains largely forgotten.

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Instant Noodles Changed The World, Part Two: Going Global

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:06:34 +0000

As Momofuku Ando's instant noodles take Japan by storm, he sets his sights on the global horizon. In part two of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the expansion of instant noodles into the United States, the rest of the planet -- and, eventually, space.

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Instant Noodles Changed The World, Part One: An Origin Story

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Today, instant noodles are ubiquitous. You can find them in almost every grocery store, in any number of flavors sold by any number of brands -- but where did they come from? In part one of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the story of Momofuku Ando, and how a sudden realization in post-WWII Japan inspired an idea that would go on to change the world.

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The Accidental Invention of Holding Music

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 05:30:00 +0000

We've all been there -- you're calling a bank, a loan company, you name it, and boom: you're put on hold. But where does that music come from? In today's episode, Ben and Noel dive into the strange origin story of telephone holding music.

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Inventors Killed By Their Own Inventions: Flyin' or Dyin', Part Two

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 07:30:00 +0000

How far would you go to fly? It's a question many inventors have asked themselves over the ages and, tragically, for every successful breakthrough it seems there were also dozens of failures, flops and -- sometimes -- fatal crashes. In part two of Flyin' or Dyin', Ben, Noel and Max explore modern inventors who died as a result of their flying contraptions.

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Inventors Killed By Their Own Inventions: Flyin' or Dyin', Part One

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Humans can swim, though not as well as a fish. Humans can run, though not as swift as a cheetah. From ancient civilization to the modern day, no human being can fly unaided. In this first of a long-running series, Ben, Noel and Max explore inventors across history who died while trying to fly.

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Wilhelm Reich and Orgone, Part 2: Willy vs. The Feds

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 03:26:32 +0000

If Reich's concept of orgone was simple pseudoscience, why did the US government ban -- and burn -- his books? In part two of this two-part episode on Wilhelm Reich and orgonomic vibes, Ben, Noel and Max explore Reich's activities in the US, as well as the oft-ignored legacy of Reich's studies in the modern day.

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Wilhelm Reich and Orgone, Part 1: Sexy Psychoanalysis

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Born in 1897, Wilhelm Reich was an Austrian doctor of medicine and a psychoanalyst, as well as -- for a time -- a follower of Sigmund Freud. Today, he's most often associated with his life's work: the study of a strange, pervasive energy he called "orgone." In part one of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore Reich's origin story, from his early days to the experiences that persuaded him sexual vibes could, literally, save the world.

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The History of Pringles: Once You Pop...

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 19:16:39 +0000

Pretty much everyone recognizes Pringles -- these tasty, not-quite potato chips come in tons of at-times bizarre flavors, all neatly packed in a nifty tube. But where did Pringles come from? In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Matt dive deep into the hidden history of this snack, the astonishing science behind it and the incredibly weird funeral demands of the Pringles creator.

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Lincoln Loved Cats, and Other Presidential Pets

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 16:29:46 +0000

Are you a cat person, a dog person, or somewhere in between? It turns out that famous trash-talking wrestler -- and former President -- Abraham Lincoln was also a huge fan of cats. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the lives of Presidential pets, from eagles to goats, dogs and more.

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CLASSIC - Presidents Love Their Ridiculous Pets

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 18:19:47 +0000

In today's episode, we venture into the podcast vault to talk about some snuggly friends, many of the ridiculous variety. It's no secret that, until very recently, US Presidents were known as huge fans of pets -- and they didn't limit themselves to cats and dogs! Join Ben and Noel as they explore some of the strangest pets in presidential history, from warhorses and cows to bears, raccoons and much, much more.

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What Happened to Ronald McDonald? Part Two: Supersizing A Mystery

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 14:01:03 +0000

In a world where the iconic McDonald's arches became as recognizable as the Pope or Mickey Mouse, Ronald McDonald himself became synonymous with not just fast food -- but the United States, western imperialism and capitalism overall. In the second part of this episode, Ben, Max and returning special guest, the (ostensibly) reformed Jonathan Strickland, aka the Quizster, take a case-by-case look at the alleged causes of Ronald's demise, from anti-obesity activists to changing cultural tastes, a real-life clown terror craze, and more.

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What Happened to Ronald McDonald? Part One: Everybody Loves A Clown

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 12:32:42 +0000

Today, billions of people across the world recognize McDonald's — it's one of the planet's most well-known brands. Yet, in recent years, McDonald's has also become home to an enduring mystery: What exactly happened to Ronald McDonald? In part one of this two-part series, Ben and Max welcome special guest Jonathan Strickland for an in-depth exploration of Ronald's meteoric rise and fall.

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The 1904 St. Louis Marathon Was Absolutely Bonkers

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 14:00:00 +0000

It's no secret that the Olympics have evolved over time, and met with their fair share of controversy over the years -- but the 1904 Olympic marathon remains a tale of ridiculousness for the ages. In today's episode, Ben and Max dive into a madcap series of bizarre events, brazen cheating, and more in the humid heart of brutal St. Louis weather. Taking a cue from their pals at Ridiculous Crime, the guys want you to know everyone in this episode makes it out... OK.

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Andrew Jackson Beat the Snot Out of His Would-be Assassin

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 14:04:36 +0000

Known as Old Hickory to his fans, and King Andrew to his critics, Andrew Jackson was an outspoken, deeply divisive figure. When he was attacked by an assassin while leaving a funeral, the killer's gun miraculously misfired not once, but twice, and despite his old age Jackson retaliated by absolutely wailing on the guy, beating within an inch of his life. And, as it turns out, Andrew Jackson isn't the only president to survive an assassination attempt. Tune for more as Ben and Max explore the strange stories of Jackson, Taft and Roosevelt.

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CLASSIC: When (and why) did the US start calling its citizens consumers?

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 18:54:17 +0000

Today, the terms "citizen" and "consumer" are often used interchangeably by authors, journalists and politicians. To some experts, this shift has disturbing implications. But how important is a word? How did this switch occur, and why? In today's classic episode, Ben and Noel explore the implications of this strange, often unexamined, evolution.

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A Ridiculous History of Reality TV, Part Two: Reality Goes Global

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 16:18:13 +0000

As reality TV continued to grow across networks and genres, it also spread across the planet. In the second part of this two-part series, special guest Anna Hossnieh joins Ben, Noel and Max to break down the evolution of massive hits like The Bachelor, The Real Housewives empire, and more.

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A Ridiculous History of Reality TV, Part One: An Origin Story

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 18:20:50 +0000

However you define it, reality TV is a giant in the world of entertainment. From soap operas to game shows and the hazards of dating, it seems almost any genre can find a home in reality television. But how did we get here? How did this global phenomenon begin? In part one of this two-part series, special guest Anna Hossnieh joins Ben, Noel and Max to explore the evolution of unscripted programming -- and what it teaches us about humanity.

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Surprising Former Careers of the Famous

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 17:22:16 +0000

Did you know Abraham Lincoln was an infamous, trash-talking wrestler? Ronald Reagan spent his younger years saving people from drowning (and throwing rocks at them) as a lifeguard. And before Norma Jean became the iconic Marilyn Monroe, she built drones during World War II. In today's episode, the guys explore the little-known, surprising careers of some of America's most notable historical figures.

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A Humorous History of Genetics

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 13:00:00 +0000

What makes you... well, you? It's a question humanity has wrestled with since the dawn of recorded history all the way to the modern day. In today's special episode in partnership with 23andMe, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the history of genetic research from its ancient predecessors to great breakthroughs of the recent past, as well as learning a bit about their own genetic history along the way.

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Tsutomu Yamaguchi: The World's Only (Recognized) Double Atomic Bomb Victim

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 16:40:18 +0000

On August 6th, 1945, Mitsubishi engineer Tsutomu Yamaguchi was finally heading home from a three month assignment in Hiroshima... until the United States dropped an atomic bomb over the city. Miraculously, he survived the bombing and made his way home to Nagasaki -- where he once again witnessed, and survived, an atomic bomb. Tune in to learn more about Tsutomu Yamaguchi's harrowing journey, as well as his life after surviving not one, but two separate atomic bombs.

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Gods of Deception, Part II: Art, History, Fiction and War

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:32:35 +0000

As Ben and Noel continue their conversation with novelist and art historian David Adams Cleveland, the group finds themselves going far beyond the world of Alger Hiss. In the second part of this two-part series, the guys learn more about David's award-winning work as an art historian, the ways in which history, research and fiction converge -- and a little about the oft-ignored effects of history on geopolitics.

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Gods of Deception, Part I: Alger Hiss in the Halls of Power

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 17:25:49 +0000

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Alger Hiss was a mover and shaker in the political sphere. Highly educated and deeply connected, Hiss worked as a lawyer involved in everything from the Justice Department to the United Nations. Until, that is, he was accused of being a spy -- a prime character in a vast conspiracy stretching from DC to the Soviet Union. In the first part of this two-part series, Ben and Noel join special guest, novelist and art historian David Adams Cleveland, to learn more about how these events informed David's newest novel, God of Deception.

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Operation LAC: That Time Uncle Sam Sprayed Poison Across St. Louis

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 22:24:53 +0000

As the US government became increasingly concerned about the possibility of large-scale biological weapons, they decided something must be done: they needed to test— in secret. In today’s episode, the guys explore how the US Army conspired to spray an entire impoverished part of St. Louis with potentially dangerous chemicals… basically, to see what happened.

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CLASSIC - Does the US Confederacy Still Exist in Americana, Brazil?

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 17:22:16 +0000

The guys took a day off to celebrate the 4th of July -- and what better time to share a classic episode about another (very strange) form of patriotism? At the close the US Civil War, tens of thousands of former Confederate families fled the US for a small city in Brazil, where they sought to continue living as they had in the days before the war. Tune in to learn more about the strange history of Americana, Brazil.

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Millerism, Part II: The Great Disappointment (and the Aftermath)

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 18:30:19 +0000

As the alleged End of the World drew ever closer, William Miller and the Millerism movement became a pop culture phenomenon. Thousands of people quit their jobs, sold their possessions, and prepared to ascend into the afterlife. Yet when the predicted day came -- and passed -- without the return of Jesus Christ, many of these believers were at a loss. What should they do now?

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CLASSIC - Did a Real-Life Rainmaker Almost Drown San Diego?

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 20:01:50 +0000

In today's episode we are revisiting a classic. Charles Mallory Hatfield considered himself a real-life rainmaker (or, as he preferred to describe himself, a 'moisture accelerator') and, when San Diego faced one of its most damaging droughts, Hatfield cracked a deal: He'd bring the water back to San Diego. City officials were skeptical, but desperate -- and, as ridiculous as it might sound -- they got more than they bargained for.

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Millerism: America’s First End Times Gospel

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 22:18:50 +0000

You might not have heard of William Miller, but in his time he was a pretty big deal. In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the origin of William Miller and Millerism, his spiritual movement predicated on the idea that, with some tricky math, you could indeed predict the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

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Ben Franklin Faked a Rival's Death to Promote His Almanac

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 22:31:34 +0000

Benjamin Franklin was many things: an inventor, a Founding Father, a publisher... and, it turns out, a massive troll. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into a strange story of absolute pettiness and out-the-box PR stunts. You see, when Ben Franklin wanted to up the sales of his almanac, he decided to predict the death of his longtime publishing rival, Titan Leeds. One problem: when the prediction didn't come to pass, Titan, who was very much alive, responded in kind.

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Why was Phrenology a Thing? Part II: A Pseudoscience (Sort of) Informs the Modern Day

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 18:53:10 +0000

While the credibility of phrenology inevitably deteriorated over time, it was neither a completely original concept, nor, in some respects, a completely useless one. In the second part of this two-part series, Ben, Noel and Max explore the ancient precedents of judging inner qualities based on outer appearance, as well as what modern scientists have to say about how phrenology, as imperfect as it was, helped establish some concepts that stay with the world of research today.

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Why was Phrenology a Thing? Part I: The Rise of Dr. Finger

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 18:03:49 +0000

Once upon a time, a young man named Franz Joseph Gall thought "That's weird... all my school chums with big eyes are good at memorizing things." Years later, he took this idea and ran with it, assuring people that bumps on their skulls held profound insights about both their flaws and their talents. Nowadays everyone agrees phrenology is bunk -- but in its heyday, folks across the US and Europe were convinced this quackery was the bleeding edge of scientific innovation. In part one of this two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the origins of cranioscopy and phrenology. (We also fell in love with a side character named Dr. Finger.)

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Nancy Wake, the White Mouse of the French Resistance

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 22:41:18 +0000

Although Nancy Wake began her career as a journalist, her first-hand experience with Nazis compelled her to a new calling: the French Resistance. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the larger-than-life triumphs of the freedom fighter the Gestapo would come to call "the White Mouse," from her early days to her heroic (though, at times, murderous) work to save innocent lives during World War II.

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The US Boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics, and Puerto Rican Boxers Went Anyway

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 19:35:20 +0000

In a response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the US, along with more than 60 other countries, boycotted the Olympics. Yet three Puerto Rican boxers refused to allow politics to stand in their way of their athletic ambitions. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max welcome Bijan Stephen and Layne Gerbig, the creators of the Eclipsed podcast, to learn what led them to create this show -- and what the 1980 Olympics can teach us about the larger context of history.

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Disco Demolition Night: How Disco Died at a White Sox Game

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 22:41:13 +0000

Cast your memory back to 1979. Tensions across the US are high, on multiple levels. Disco dominates the music scene, and, oh boy, rock fans are mad about it. Things come to a head at Comiskey Park, where White Sox owner Bill Veeck and a young anti-disco DJ named Steve Dahl decide to promote a doubleheader baseball event with a particular theme -- bring a disco record, and you get to watch it get blown up between games. Spoiler alert: things went wrong, almost immediately.

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Bolivia Fought -- And Lost -- A War For Bird Poop

Tue, 31 May 2022 17:48:58 +0000

Most people associate think of bird poop as an annoyance -- it can gunk up sidewalks and windshields, and, occasionally, even splat on an unlucky person walking by. But in the late 1800s, guano was a hugely important resource. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max take a closer look at the 'white gold' of guano... and how it led to one of 19th-century South America's deadliest wars.

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Why You Can't Say "MacBeth" in a Theater

Thu, 26 May 2022 17:06:07 +0000

As one of history's most well-known, highly-regarded writers, it's no secret that Shakespeare's life and work is full of strange stories -- but did you know one of his most famous plays is considered cursed? In today's episode, the guys are joined by special guest, award-winning playwright Will McFadden, as he breaks down to supposed origin of the curse, along with multiple disasters attributed to it.

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Operation Mincemeat: Britain's Ghoulish Plan to Fool the Nazis

Tue, 24 May 2022 19:51:10 +0000

As World War II raged on in 1943, both Allied and Axis forces knew they were riddled with spies. In a dizzying cavalcade of undercover, double, and even triple agents, both sides of the war sought to deceive their opponents -- and ethical concerns increasingly took a back seat in these pursuits. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into the story of Operation Mincemeat, a macabre (and, ultimately, successful) plan to plant fake intel on a corpse. Inspired by Netflix's new film, Operation Mincemeat, the guys explore the facts behind the latest adaptation.

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Who the heck was Joseph Warren?

Thu, 19 May 2022 17:07:42 +0000

When it's time to study the American Revolution in grade school, US kids tend to learn the same few names -- Betsy Ross, George Washington, Benjamin Banneker, Jefferson, Revere and so on. But, were it not for a single gunshot, physician and revolutionary Joseph Warren just may have become one of the first presidents. Tune in to learn more.

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Chocolate Syrup: From Medicine to Dessert

Tue, 17 May 2022 18:58:35 +0000

Most people nowadays associate chocolate syrup with ice cream -- but back in the day, it was considered a legitimate medicine. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore the origins of chocolate from ancient Mesoamerica to the modern day. Ben and Max also try to save their pal Noel from the unpleasant experience of 'Beverly.'

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Historical Hypocrisy: The Confederacy's Weird Stance on "Individual Rights"

Thu, 12 May 2022 16:36:16 +0000

While the Confederacy often portrayed itself as a champion of certain individual rights-- not applied to enslaved people, of course-- it didn't always practice what it preached. In today's episode, the guys explore how factions of the Confederate government used the chaos of war to confiscate all sorts of property and then, through a web of corruption, made themselves wealthy in the process.

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Juana Maria: The Real-life Story Behind "Island of the Blue Dolphins"

Tue, 10 May 2022 16:10:47 +0000

No one knew the real name of the woman living alone on San Nicolas Island, but when she returned to civilization after decades in solitude, she was a hit with the locals at the nearby mission. Known for her exuberance and friendliness, the religious authorities and townsfolk alike loved the woman they christened Juana Maria, but they knew next to nothing about her life -- because she spoke a language no one, from the missionaries to the native communities, could understand. Tune in to learn more.

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Curling: The Most Ridiculous Sport?

Thu, 05 May 2022 15:06:06 +0000

The time has come! In this special episode, the one and only Super Producer Max Williams takes point on the research into one of his long-standing fascinations: the curious sport of curling. As Max schools the guys on everything from the basic rules to the surprisingly long history of this unique sport, they -- and you -- walk away with a deeper understanding of "The Spirit of Curling."

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Nobuo Fujita Bombed Brookings, Oregon -- and Then Became a Town Hero

Tue, 03 May 2022 19:22:50 +0000

War is a brutal business, and it often leaves scars that last for generations. Two decades after he bombed Brookings, Oregon during World War II, former Imperial Japanese Navy pilot Nobuo Fujita returned to Brookings to give an official apology -- and the town essentially adopted him. Fujita would go on to visit Brookings multiple times, sponsoring student trips to Japan, and gifting the city his samurai sword, which had been in his family for more than 400 years.

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A Teetotaling Preacher Basically Invented Modern Tourism

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 17:15:51 +0000

When's the last time you had a vacation, just for fun? Regardless of where you went, you probably want to tip your hat to Thomas Cook. As a traveling Baptist preacher, Thomas Cook walked thousands of miles on foot warning people about the danger of alcohol -- it was a rough, demanding life, and people often ignored his message. But he was nothing if not a forward thinker. In today's episode, the guys explore how one man's determination to -- originally, at least -- spread the good word of Temperance led to the birth of the modern tourist industry.

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Ira Aldridge: Actor, Activist and Record-breaker

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 17:29:51 +0000

As an African-American actor in the 1800s, Ira Aldridge had the odds stacked against him. Yet despite systemic racism, as well as negative attitudes about Americans in general, Aldridge went on to become the darling of the London stage. In today's episode, the guys explore how Ira Aldridge used his tremendous fame as a way to advocate for equality, abolition and more -- and broke numerous records along the way.

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Lithuanian Book Smugglers Vs. The Russian Empire

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 13:16:35 +0000

When people think of rebellion, they often think of guerilla warfare, rousing speeches and protests. But what about books? When the Russian Empire sought to "Russify" much of what is now Lithuania, the Tsar's forces waged a war against culture, forcing children to learn a Cyrillic alphabet -- and even banning the pre-existing Lithuanian alphabet from printing presses. Native Lithuanians from all walks of life responded by becoming knygnešiaĩ, or book carriers. Tune in to learn how this vast smuggling ring preserved the Lithuanian alphabet, and eventually won the war for a country's hearts and minds.

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The Yule Lads Terrified Children Across Iceland

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 14:55:13 +0000

Many countries have their own, distinct Christmas traditions, but Iceland's Yule Lads are especially disturbing. Born of a monsterous giantess, these thirteen creatures each specialize in certain types of harassment or theft, leaving gifts for good children, and rotten potatoes for the rest. In today's episode, the guys explore the origin of this strange story -- and how, once upon a time, it was actually outlawed.

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The Infamous Aurora UFO Incident of 1897

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 19:11:10 +0000

In April of 1897, something crashed from the sky, destroying a local windmill. As rumors and speculation grew, strange reports emerged -- could there have been a pilot? What was this craft, exactly, and why were some observers convinced it was from beyond this world? Tune in to learn more.

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How The Evil May Day of 1517 Became the Perfect Propaganda Opportunity

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 21:32:25 +0000

London of the 1500s was a bustling center of commerce, finance and industry -- and it attracted a fair number of foreign-born professionals, who sought their fortune in the metropolis. However, as epidemics and economic downturns made life worse and worse for the average person, the native-born working class began to blame foreigners, whom they called 'strangers,' for their woes. In today's episode, the guys follow the escalating, xenophobic tensions that led to citywide riots -- and how the Crown leveraged this to further solidify state power.

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Day Drinkers (Sort of) Helped Stop Cholera in London

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 22:30:14 +0000

Dr. Jon Snow -- no relation to the guy from A Song of Ice and Fire -- was in a pickle. Cholera was ravaging London, particularly in the Soho area, and no one knew how to stop it from spreading like poisonous wildfire. As the crisis raged on, Snow was able to use his medical knowledge and amateur detective skills to figure out where the contagion was coming from. His big breakthrough? Folks at the local brewery, who were known for day drinking, seemed to avoid the infection almost entirely. Tune in to learn how beer (kind of) saved London.

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The Much-Maligned Reign of Swedish Queen Maria Eleonora

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 21:50:50 +0000

We often assume wealth can solve everything, but unfortunately that's not the case -- and there are few better examples of this than the life of Maria Eleonora of Brandenburg, German princess and Queen of Sweden. In today's episode, the gang explores the Queen's turbulent struggles in the realms of geopolitics, parenting, the patriarchy and romance.

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Weird Ways People Used to Communicate, Part II: Smoke Signals and Bottled Messages

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 13:38:00 +0000

People these days are, for better or worse, increasingly accustomed to living in an area of constant communication. But how did people communicate over long distances before the rise of things like telegraphs, telephones and the internet? In the second part of this week's special two-part episode, guests Bill Whorley and Mark Kendall, the creators of the hit new podcast Ridiculous News, join the guys to talk about some of the weirdest ways people used to communicate in days of yore.

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Weird Ways People Used to Communicate, Part I: Only a Pigeon Away

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 19:34:55 +0000

People these days are, for better or worse, increasingly accustomed to living in an area of constant communication. But how did people communicate over long distances before the rise of things like telegraphs, telephones and the internet? In this week's special two-part episode, guests Mark Kendall and Bill Whorley, the creators of the hit new podcast Ridiculous News, join the guys to talk about some of the weirdest ways people used to communicate in days of yore.

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That Time A Dead Guy Won an Olympic Medal

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 16:06:16 +0000

In his heyday, the story goes, Arrhichion of Phigalia was a renowned pankration champion, a brutal sport of the ancient Olympics. But he was getting on in years, and his days at the top seem numbered. In today's episode, the guys explore the strange series of circumstances that led to Arrhichion's final, fatal match -- and how, after death, he was declared victorious one last time.

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Julia Barnett Rice Waged an Elitist War on Noise

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 03:01:50 +0000

If you, like the majority of humans alive today, live in a city, you're more than familiar with noise -- sirens, construction, traffic and more. In today's episode, the guys explore how one woman's mission to silence the tugboats near her opulent Manhattan mansion led to a nation-wide, classist campaign against noise. Co-starring Ben's nemesis, the local leafblower (who somehow always knows when we're recording).

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Ridiculous History Presents: A History of "Adult" Toys, Part 2

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 21:28:39 +0000

While it's a taboo subject in the modern day, it turns out people have been improvising ways to pleasure themselves since, well, the dawn of history. In the second part of this week's two-part takeover episode, Ben and Noel join Eli and Diana Banks, real-life spouses and creators of the hit podcast Ridiculous Romance, to discuss the strange, ridiculous (and at-times disturbing) history of sex toys across the planet. Heads-up, this one gets a little raunchy.

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Ridiculous History Presents: A History of "Adult" Toys, Part 1

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 17:46:47 +0000

While it's a taboo subject in the modern day, it turns out people have been improvising ways to pleasure themselves since, well, the dawn of history. In this week's two-part takeover episode, Ben and Noel join Eli and Diana Banks, real-life spouses and creators of the hit podcast Ridiculous Romance, to discuss the strange, ridiculous (and at-times disturbing) history of sex toys across the planet. Heads-up, this one gets a little raunchy.

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The Cobra Effect, Part 2: Four Pests and a Disastrous Success

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 20:20:32 +0000

The Cobra Effect - a particularly extreme form of unintended consequences - isn't limited to India and Vietnam. In China, the technically successful Four Pests eradication campaign led to tremendous ecological disaster, as the mass murder of sparrows led to a plague of ravenous locusts. In part two of this week's two part episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore what went wrong, how it affected later generations, and what the Cobra Effect can teach us about unforeseen consequences.

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The Cobra Effect, Part 1: Snakes, Rats, and Unintended Consequences

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 23:42:22 +0000

Back in the days of the British Raj, colonial leaders had a problem: Delhi was overrun with snakes. And not just any snakes -- cobras. These dangerous death noodles slithered through every nook and cranny in town. The solution? Put a bounty on cobras, and allow any citizen to receive payment for every cobra skin they bring in. While this seemed like a good idea at first, it quickly led to even more snakes pouring into town. So what happened? In part one of this week's two-part episode, Ben and Noel explore the strange series of missteps so ridiculous that it inspired a new, powerful concept: The Cobra Effect.

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British Suffragettes Knew Jūjitsu

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 01:48:23 +0000

As activists in the UK fought for the right to vote (and divorce, and inherit land), they ran into increasingly brutal actions on the part of police -- they were beaten, arrested, imprisoned, and even force fed when attempting hunger strikes. The police seemed confident that this abuse would silence the protestors... but that was before they were aware of Jūjitsu expert and dojo owner Edith Garrud. Edith didn't just conduct self-defense training for locals -- when she saw the increasing trend of violence against her fellow protestors, she trained an elite fighting force that went toe-to-toe with law enforcement, more than once, for the cause.

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A Tale of Two Hansons: Busting Myths About the 'First' US President

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 03:27:00 +0000

It's no secret that people in the US often tend to mythologize the Founding Fathers -- so it shouldn't come as a surprise that people also, often, claim George Washington wasn't actually the first US president. What gives? Tune in to learn more.

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Did Soldiers in World War I Really Team Up to Fight Wolves?

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 01:37:44 +0000

World War I was a bloody, terrifying conflict for everyone involved -- and not just humans. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max accidentally run into deep emotions, going one hundred percent Team Wolf as they explore the ecological consequences of massive human conflict. Ben remains resentful regarding the hot tub situation.

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Slum Tourists: When Wealthy People Toured Chinatown ‘For Fun’

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 03:50:39 +0000

It’s true — back in the day, wealthy residents of cities from London to Chicago would pay for tours of disadvantaged communities, the same way that you might take your friends to a zoo today. The communities responded, staging events meant to give the upper class an ersatz sense of authenticity. Spoiler, it was terrible.

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That Time Victorians Treated Seaweed like Pokemon

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 03:31:36 +0000

Europe's Victorian Era was, in many ways, a study in contradiction. While society in general championed independent scientific research, institutions of the day rejected women as members. Seaweed collections became a way for these scientists to circumvent the dumb ideas of their day.

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Valentine's Day Is So Much Weirder Than We Thought

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 21:00:00 +0000

Valentine's Day is a pretty normal holiday in the US and several other countries, and other parts of the world have similar holidays, focused on appreciating our loved ones. But as Ben, Noel and Max learn in today's special episode, a lot of the history behind Valentine's Day is just... incredibly weird. The boys join forces with returning special guests Eli and Diana Banks, the creators of the hit podcast Ridiculous Romance, to dive into some of the most bizarre -- dare we say ridiculous -- aspects of Valentine's Day throughout history.

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Weirdest Celebrity Busts, Part II: Mr. David Lee Roth and a Drunken John Wayne

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 23:36:18 +0000

What can Mr. David Lee Roth's run-ins with the law teach us about wholesomeness? Why did John Wayne have public, drunken beef with Harvard? In part two of this week's special two-part series, guests Zaron Burnett and Elizabeth Dutton, the creators and hosts of Ridiculous Crime, join the guys to explore some of history's strangest celebrity busts.

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Weirdest Celebrity Busts, Part I: Nixon Smuggled Weed, Arbuckle Was Innocent

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 02:33:10 +0000

Did Richard Nixon smuggle weed? What can the Fatty Arbuckle scandal tell us about American society? In this week's special two-part series, guests Zaron Burnett and Elizabeth Dutton, the creators and hosts of Ridiculous Crime, join the guys to explore some of history's strangest celebrity busts.

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CLASSIC: X-Rays, Songs and Soviets: The Stilyagi Story

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 18:39:47 +0000

Caught between the conflicting ideologies of the Cold War, Soviet teens were banned from collecting Western music -- smuggled records could be both rare and expensive. The solution? Discarded X-rays, also known as 'bone recordings'. Join the guys as they explore the strange story of the Stilyagi in this classic episode.

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Tossed Popcorn, Part 2: Chaplin was a Jerk, Brando was Insane

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 03:05:14 +0000

Don’t let the charming slapstick fool you — Charlie Chaplin was a monster to his lovers, coworkers and family. His former collaborator, Marlon Brando was even weirder and could be just as cruel. In the second part of this two-part episode, the hosts of Tossed Popcorn return to explore more bizarre stories behind the scenes of cinema.

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Tossed Popcorn, Part 1: The Wizard of Oz and the Titanic

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 04:41:59 +0000

It's no secret that Hollywood has been home to numerous lurid, disturbing -- and, sometimes, ridiculous -- tales over the decades. In the first part of this two-part series, the guys are joined with Lianna and Sienna, the creators of Tossed Popcorn, for an exploration of bizarre behind-the-scenes stories from some of film's most iconic movies, celebrities and eras.

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Peter Freuchen: Explorer, Raconteur, Movie Star and War Hero

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 20:15:50 +0000

You may not have heard of Peter Freuchen, but in his day he was one of the world's most well-known polar explorers. He also wrote prolifically about his adventures, including his numerous brushes with death. And that's just the beginning of his story -- he later went to Hollywood, fought against the Nazis in Europe, had some brushes with celebrity scandal and more. Tune in to learn more about the amazing (and occasionally gruesome) adventures of Peter Freuchen.

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Did Honduras and El Salvador Really Go to War over Soccer?

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 15:54:04 +0000

If you read the international headlines in 1969, you'd think the Central American countries of Honduras and El Salvador loved football (soccer, for the US folks in the crowd) so much that they actually went to war over it. But does this story actually hold up? That's the question for today's episode, as the guys dive into the true events leading to the infamous, short-lived 'Football War.'

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The US Literally Had Nazi Summer Camps

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 02:25:33 +0000

For many adults, the idea of 'summer camp' conjures up fond, nostalgic memories of childhood. And most folks see these outfits as great opportunities for children to learn, play and connect with their peers. Yet as the Nazi party rose to power in Germany, multiple communities in the US created their own kinds of summer camp -- camps dedicated entirely to indoctrinating children with Nazi propaganda, all under the guise of popularizing 'German virtues.' Tune in to learn more.

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The Emperor of the United States

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 18:42:00 +0000

When San Franciscan businessman Joshua Norton lost his fortune in a Peruvian rice deal gone sour, he temporarily disappeared from the public eye. Not long after, he reemerged as Norton I, the self-proclaimed Emperor of the United States (and, later, Protector of Mexico). In today's episode, Ben and Noel explore the life and times of Norton, and the surprising legacy he left behind.

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The Trans-Saharan Ostrich Expedition of 1911

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 02:09:00 +0000

Most people haven't met an ostrich in person, but everyone knows what they are: the large, flightless birds have been around since before the rise of humanity, and throughout history people have admired their long, luxurious feathers. Back in the day, any self-respecting socialite absolutely had to have ostrich feathers festooning their hats, creating an international trade market that led a small army of South Africans to launch a harrowing, dangerous heist to steal the legendary Barbary ostrich. Tune in to learn more about one of the strangest heists in history.

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That Time Everyone Tried To Outlaw War

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 00:21:04 +0000

War is ugly, horrific and, according to some, a necessary part of human civilization. Yet in the 1920s, world powers recovering from World War I sought to make the planet a safer (or, at least, less unsafe) place. Their solution? The Paris Peace Pact, which aimed to, through an international agreement, outlaw war. Spoiler: it didn't work.

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CLASSIC: Who Solves Murders in Antarctica?

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 21:12:24 +0000

Antarctica is home to one of the most brutal climates on the planet, and the few humans living on this continent face profound isolation and cramped quarters. Often, tension rises as the months between supply runs pile up -- so what happens when something goes wrong?

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The Lil Ice Age Was Way Less Cute Than It Sounds

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 21:52:33 +0000

You've probably heard of the Ice Ages -- long periods of reduction in Earth's temperature, triggering massive expansion of glaciers and so on -- but you may not have heard of the "Little Ice Age," a time of regional cooling that, from the 14th to the 19th centuries, dramatically affected weather and society across Europe and abroad. Tune in to learn more.

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Nub City: Florida's Infamous Amputation Scam

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 20:29:00 +0000

As towns go, Vernon, Florida is pretty tiny -- it has a small population, has struggled with economic depression, and doesn't get a ton of tourists. But that all changed several decades ago, when Vernon became a subject of national interest as insurance investigators discovered a grisly scam. You may not have heard of Vernon, but you may know it by its other, unofficial name: Nub City.

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London's Tiger King, Part Two: Charles Jamrach Becomes a Problematic Hero

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 21:00:00 +0000

By 1857, London's exotic animal trade was in full swing. Animals arrived at the city from across the world (often not surviving the journey), and Charles Jamrach was one of the most prominent animal dealers on the planet. At the height of his fame, he gained public attention by saving a child from a tiger. One problem: it was Jamrach's fault the tiger was in London in the first place. Learn more about London's exotic animal trade in part two of this two-part episode.

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London's Tiger King, Part One: When Exotic Animal's Were The Hottest Flex

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 22:35:24 +0000

Walking through London today, you'll doubtlessly hear cacophonous traffic, sirens, construction, countless languages -- all the noises familiar to big cities... but, not too long ago, it would also have been normal to hear the roars of large animals in certain neighborhoods. In the first part of this two-part series, the guys explore the factors that led London to become a world-class hub for the exotic animal trade, often to the detriment of the animals (and the occasional spectator).

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The Atlantropa Project, Part Two: What Happened to the Supercontinent?

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 21:01:13 +0000

While the idea of draining (most of) the Mediterranean sounds... ambitious, to say the least, Herman Sörgel's vision met with a surprising amount of popular support. In the second part of this two-part episode, the gang explores the dark side of Atlantropa, from its roots in colonialism to the potentially disastrous ecological and social consequences involved.

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The Atlantropa Project, Part One: Saving Europe via Supercontinent

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 22:18:58 +0000

Like everyone in post-World War I Europe, Herman Sörgel was horrified by the devastation of a continent-wide conflict. He saw raging poverty, crippling unemployment, overpopulation and burgeoning geopolitical tensions, all of which led him to believe new conflicts were on the horizon. His solution? To drain the Mediterranean and create a new supercontinent. Tune in to learn more in the first part of this two-part episode.

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People Used Bed Bugs as Medicine for Thousands of Years

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 03:37:55 +0000

When you think of bed bugs, you probably think of dirty mattresses, irritating rashes and bites, and the dubious joy of calling an exterminator. However, in millennia past, people were convinced bed bugs, properly prepared, could cure everything from cataracts to the common cold. Tune in to learn more.

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The US Literally Threw Pianos From Planes During World War II

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 21:33:03 +0000

As musical instruments go, pianos are pretty amazing -- they're also not particularly easy to move. Clunkiness aside, pianos provide endless hours of entertainment, lightening the mood in even the darkest of times. In today's episode, Ben and Noel explore how the US government and the Steinway company sought to boost wartime morale by literally dropping pianos into the front lines (along with, thankfully, instructions on how to tune them).

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The Sinister Side of Little Orphan Annie, Part Two: Drink Your Ovaltine

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 16:40:41 +0000

Once the Little Orphan Annie comic strip was adapted to a radio program, it wasn't just a hit show -- it was a marketing coup for the good folks at Ovaltine. The company underwrote the program, riddled it with advertising, and worked like mad to convince every child in the US that they must drink as much Ovaltine as possible. Tune in and learn more in the second part of this two-part series.

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The Sinister Side of Little Orphan Annie, Part One: Parents Were Terrified

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 01:11:17 +0000

These days, most folks think of Little Orphan Annie as a folksy, wholesome slice of nostalgia -- but during its heyday as a radio program, parents across the US became increasingly concerned. The show, they thought, had a deep, dangerous hold on the minds of children. In the first part of this two-part series, Ben and Noel dive into the surprising controversy surrounding Little Orphan Annie.

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CLASSIC: How White America Tried To Destroy Chinese Restaurants

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Today Chinese restaurants serve some of the most popular cuisine in the United States, with more than 41,000 restaurants scattered around the country. Yet in the 1900s these restaurants were so controversial that labor unions, hate groups and even politicians joined forces in an attempt to wipe the businesses out. Tune in to hear the whole story (which, luckily, has a delicious and happy ending).

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Russia’s Real-life Ice Queen, Part 2: Weird, Brutal Flexes

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 01:33:03 +0000

As rulers go, Anna of Russia was considered pretty bad news. In the second part of this two-part series, the guys explore how Anna (aka Anna the Terrible)'s traumatic life experience may have contributed to her later, profoundly cruel punishments -- things like forcing a disgraced prince to behave like a chicken, or die in the halls of a real-life 'ice palace.'

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Russia’s Real-life Ice Queen, Part 1: The Tsar is a Jerk

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 23:18:37 +0000

“Despite being born into royalty, Anna Ioannovna didn’t have the easiest life. Her uncle publicly ridiculed her marriage, and the cruelty she experienced growing up may have had lasting emotional damage, leading her to eventually build an actual ice palace.”

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That Time a Baboon Worked for the Railroad

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 23:11:01 +0000

When a horrific accident left railroad signalman James Wide without the use of his legs, he was desperate to maintain his livelihood -- an effort that may well have been futile were it not for a chance encounter with a highly intelligent baboon named Jack. Jack began by assisting James with simple tasks, and gradually became competent enough do James Wide's job for him. In today's episode, the guys explore the strange circumstances that led to Signalman Jack becoming an actual railroad employee.

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Austin and the Texas Archives War

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 23:49:53 +0000

After its formation in 1836, the new Republic of Texas had some problems -- multiple people wanted the capital in different places. The Republic's archives were seen as a stamp of legitimacy to any city's claim, and by 1842, this led to what what we now call the Texas Archives War. Tune in to learn more.

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King for a Week: The Strange Story of Otto I

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 00:27:59 +0000

For most people, the old saying "it's good to be king" is just a cool phrase -- but for magician and noted spinner of tall tales Otto Witte, this sounded like an idea to take literally. In today's episode, the guys explore how one man (maybe) managed to con the entire nation of Albania into believing he was their king... and got away with it for a week. If, in fact, it actually happened.

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The Bloody Tale of the Sausage War

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:30:37 +0000

The Battle of Varolampi Pond has another, less formal name: the Sausage War. Don't let the funny moniker fool you -- the 1939 conflict between Finland and Russia remains one of the most brutal moments of the Winter War. Tune in to learn how horrific conditions and the threat of starvation led the outnumbered Finnish forces to a temporary victory against the massive Red Army.

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Modern Thanksgiving, Part Two: Sarah Josepha Hale Finally Gets Her Wish

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 22:07:00 +0000

As the Civil War broke out, Sarah Josepha Hale found politicians were, understandably, more occupied with country-wide chaos than the creation of a national, unified Thanksgiving. After the close of the war, Thanksgiving became, to Northern politicians, a way to bring the once-divided population together -- and, still, some Southerners disagreed. Tune in to learn more in part two of this two-part series.

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Modern Thanksgiving, Part One: A Culture War

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 23:15:58 +0000

Today Thanksgiving is considered a largely innocuous holiday, centered on food and family. In the US, people across the country get together on the same Thursday in November every year, breaking bread, practicing thankfulness -- and, sometimes, suffering through awkward conversations with family. But this wasn't always the case. In part one of this two-part series, Ben and Noel explore how the modern Thanksgiving came to be, and why some in the south genuinely believed it was a foray in a larger culture war.

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How Haunted Houses Became A Thing

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 02:36:13 +0000

Haunted houses are a big deal in the United States -- like Spirit stores, they seem to spring up every October -- but whence did they originate? When did people start paying to be scared?

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New England versus Vampires, Part Two: Desperation and Desecration

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 21:43:14 +0000

In part two of this two-part series, Ben is joined once again with guest host Alex Williams to explore the harrowing tale of the New England Vampire Panic, tracing how increasingly desperate communities resorted to ritualistic desecration of graves to combat the horrors of what some believed to be a supernatural affliction. (And how the rest of the world branded it a 'vampire panic' when the locals probably didn't use that word.)

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New England versus Vampires, Part One: The Brutal, Terrifying Life of Early Colonists

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 00:40:51 +0000

While historians continue to explore the details of the infamous Salem witch trials, another, earlier panic swept through New England -- something modern historians often refer to as the "Vampire Panic." In part one of this two-part series, Ben is joined again with guest host Alex Williams, creator of the Ephemeral podcast, to explore the brutal realities of daily life in New England, and how the everpresent threat of disease led some communities to take increasingly desperate (and gruesome) actions to save themselves.

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Ada Lovelace, Part Two: The Analytical Engine

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

After marrying and having three children, Ada dove back into the world of poetical science, continuing her correspondence with Charles Babbage as he tried to garner support for his ambitious, expensive analytical engine. In the second part of this two-part series, the guys explore how Ada's work -- and prescience -- created a profound legacy that remains with us in the modern day.

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Ada Lovelace, Part One: How Lord Byron’s Daughter Became a Tech Visionary

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 08:45:00 +0000

Today Ada Lovelace is hailed as one of the most important figures in the early history of computing -- but, during her childhood, her mother was worried she might take after her father, the famous poet (and infamous philanderer) Lord Byron. Learn more about Ada's childhood in part one of this two-part series.

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The King of Scotland Got Real Weird with Language Experiments

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 17:50:15 +0000

Scottish King James IV was, by all accounts, a learned man. As a polyglot, he was especially interested in the origin of language -- so much so, in fact, that he allegedly conducted an experiment that would scandalize modern scientists: James had two children spirited off to the remote island of Inchkeith, where they were raised without language by a mute caretaker. While historians still debate whether this actually occurred, James wasn't the first guy to try it out. He, like his predecessors, wanted to see whether the kids would speak a 'natural' or 'original' language on their own.

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The Rum Riot of Portland, Maine

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 22:14:06 +0000

On June 2nd, 1855, the good people of Portland Maine had reached a breaking point. The Mayor, an infamous hardline teetotaler, had just been caught approving the purchase of alcohol after making it illegal throughout town. In today's episode, the guys explore what led to the riot, what happened after, and how this strange episode in Portland influence the later Prohibition movement.

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The Love of Candy Almost Drove a Cactus Extinct

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 21:52:42 +0000

You might not associate cacti with candy -- on the surface, they seem to have very little in common, mainly because candy is sold in stores around the world, and cacti have a well-deserved, literally prickly reputation. Yet not too long ago the US was in the midst of a genuine cactus candy craze, one that almost drove the poor barrel cactus to extinction.

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The Australian Prison Break of 1876, Part 2

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 21:58:32 +0000

In the second part of this two-part series, the guys return to the astonishing story of the Catalpa, exploring how the men prepared for and committed the actual jailbreak -- and how they got away. Listen in to learn more.

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The Australian Prison Break of 1876 Part 1

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 21:49:25 +0000

It sounds like something straight out of a heist film: a motley crew bands together in an international conspiracy to rescue six Irishmen from a jail in western Australia -- via whaling ship. Tune in to learn more about the most infamous prison break in Australian history.

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37 Days of Peril, with Alex Williams

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 22:56:53 +0000

Imagine you live in 1870, traipsing the wild frontier of North America with little more than an opera glass, a few friends and an arguably ill-informed sense of adventure. What happens when you get lost? This is the story of Truman Everts, a hapless tax assessor who found himself at the mercy of the wilderness, hopelessly lost for a full 37 days before, miraculously, returning to civilization. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max hold off on their heist phase to welcome Max's brother, returning guest and creator of Ephemeral, Alex Williams, for a discussion of his latest episode, "37 Days of Peril."

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Robert Smalls Stole A Confederate Ship and Sailed to Freedom, Part Two: From Slavery to Congress

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 21:42:00 +0000

In the second part of this series, the guys continue the story of Robert Smalls, from his daring Confederate steamer heist to his later, life-long activism and Congressional career. Listen in to learn more.

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Robert Smalls Stole A Confederate Ship and Sailed to Freedom, Part One: Planning the Heist

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 20:26:59 +0000

Born into slavery, Robert Smalls dreamed of freedom for not just himself and his family, but all oppressed people. As the US became consumed in the Civil War, he hatched a daredevil plan to make this dream a reality -- by stealing a Confederate ship and sailing straight past the southern authorities all the way to the Union. In part one of this episode, the guys explore the origin of Robert Smalls, the genesis of his plan, and the moment he knew there was no turning back.

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Sky Pilot: The Man Who Brought Religion to Lumberjacks

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 20:40:17 +0000

Life was tough for lumberjacks in the 1800s. Stuck in the middle of nowhere, often in brutal living conditions, the men of Minnesota's logging camps often had little relief from the dangerous, daily grind of logging season. Frank Higgins spent decades traveling to these isolated camps, bringing sermons, hymns and inspiration. In today's episode, the guys dive into the story of the world's first sky pilot.

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CLASSIC: Butter: Protestantism's Secret Ingredient?

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 21:34:04 +0000

The Protestant Reformation remains one of the most significant cultural events in the Western world. Martin Luther's 95 Theses addressed numerous concerns with the Catholic church, including corruption and the practice of granting dispensations -- allowing people to, essentially, pay their way out of sin. So what was it about butter that spurred Martin Luther into action? The story might surprise you.

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Ridiculous Live: The Humor and the Heavy

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 21:35:08 +0000

Recently, Ben and Noel traveled to Podcast Movement to explore a fascinating, at-times difficult subject: How do you explore a heavy story in an approachable way, while still being honest, accurate and human? They're joined once again with Eli and Diana Banks, the hosts of Ridiculous Romance, as well as their favorite moderator and longtime friend, Lauren Vogelbaum.

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Flu Julia: The Con Artist Nurse That Made Bank Off Of Misery

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 22:10:07 +0000

During the flu pandemic of 1918, Julia Lyons saw opportunity amid chaos. Posing a visiting nurse in Chicago, she successfully swindled numerous desperate people through a variety of cons, always seeming to escape the long arm of the law. In today's episode, the guys explore the ins and outs of Julia's criminal career -- including how it compares to the current pandemic.

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History's Dumbest Criminals, Part 2

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 12:09:21 +0000

In the second part of this series, the guys are joined once again by Pod Yourself A Gun's Vince Mancini and Matt Lieb to explore the startling story behind the infamous 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping, where a trio of young men planned to get rich by kidnapping a school bus full of children (spoiler: it didn't work out). Tune in to learn more.

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History's Dumbest Criminals, Part 1

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 23:19:04 +0000

Mobsters are often romanticized in film and fiction -- but that doesn't mean they're always geniuses. In the first part of this series, Ben and Noel are joined by Matt Lieb and Vince Mancini, the hosts of Pod Yourself A Gun, to explore some of history's dumbest mobsters.

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That Time People Were Terrified of Libraries

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 18:16:49 +0000

Today, libraries across the US and the rest of the world are seen as centers of free learning, presenting enormous opportunities for children and adults alike. However, not too long ago, people in the US and the UK were absolutely terrified by the idea that libraries were dens of disease. In today's episode, the guys explore how fears of tuberculosis, scarlet fever and more led to public hysteria over sharing books -- and how this panic put the concept of libraries as we know them in serious danger.

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Ostracism: How Ancient Greeks Handled Uncool Politicians

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 19:26:28 +0000

What if you could put troublesome citizens into time out for a decade? That's what ancient Athenians did through the practice of ostracism. This vote, which wasn't the same thing as a trial, resulted in a surprisingly progressive ten-year exile for the ostracized. In today's episode, the guys take a closer look at the system, and wonder whether something like it could work in the modern day.

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Military Cats, Part 2: Simon Saves the British

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 22:05:27 +0000

When 17-year old British seaman George Hickenbottom saw an undernourished, ailing stray wandering the dockyards of Hong Kong, his heart melted. He smuggled the cat about the HMS Amethyst and named him Simon. Simon soon won over the captain and crew, partially due to his winning personality, but mainly due to his astonishing prowess as a rat-catcher. And when disaster struck the Amethyst, the gravely-wounded Simon soldiered on, protecting food stores as the crew struggled to escape enemy forces. Learn more about Simon's adventures at sea in the second part of this two-part series on military cats.

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Military Cats, Part 1: Spies and Mascots

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 20:15:18 +0000

When you think of military animals, you might imagine horses, dogs and elephants — but what about cats? As it turns out, humanity’s feline friends have walked side by side with soldiers since the days of ancient empires. In part one of this special two-part episode, the guys explore some of history’s most memorable military cats.

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That Time People Rioted Over a Hot Air Balloon

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 22:51:29 +0000

These days hot air balloons are often thought of as anachronistic novelties -- but in the early days of aeronautics, they were considered fascinating, dangerous and deadly. In today's episode, the guys explore a strange story about a genuine riot during the dawn of ballooning, when an angry crowd protested the balloon they came to see... by literally tearing the balloon apart.

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An Alabama Town Built a Statue Honoring the Insect that Almost Destroyed It

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 21:05:40 +0000

Enterprise, Alabama is home to a fascinating statue honoring the boll weevil, a tiny creature that once wreaked havoc across cotton country. So what inspired the good people of Enterprise to erect a statue honoring the insect that almost destroyed their town? Learn more in today's episode.

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A Prince and His Poodle: The Supernatural Adventures of Rupert and Boy

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 17:37:28 +0000

When the Earl of Rundel learned his acquaintance Prince Rupert was languishing in an Austrian prison during the Thirty Years' War, he gifted the prince a rare white hunting poodle as a companion. Rupert named his new pooch "Boy" and the two became inseparable. Boy accompanied Rupert into multiple conflicts and became a mascot of sorts -- and, in an odd twist, people across England started to believe Boy was no ordinary dog. Instead, they argued, both Boy and Rupert had occult, supernatural powers. In today's episode, the guys explore the story of a Prince, his pooch, and the effectiveness of propaganda.

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How One Guy Made Europe Fall In Love With Potatoes

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 23:07:38 +0000

Today, the humble potato can be found in restaurants and dinner tables across the world -- but this wasn't always the case. In today's episode, Ben and Noel dive into the story of one spud-loving, potato-proselytizing man named Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, and his ambitious life's mission to get an entire continent onboard with the idea of an obscure, Peruvian tuber that would go on to fundamentally change the world.

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Weird Courtship Rituals, Part Two

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 21:55:35 +0000

What exactly is Bhutanese "Night Hunting," and how does it work? How do some rural Cambodian communities navigate the tricky world of dating while living in communal homes? It's often said the course of true love never did run smooth -- and it sure takes some odd turns on the path from courtship to marriage. In the second part of this special two-part series, Ben and Noel welcome special guests Eli and Diana banks, the hosts of Ridiculous Romance, to explore some of history's strangest courtship rituals.

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Weird Courtship Rituals, Part One

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 22:01:55 +0000

Would you whisper sweet nothings to your sweeheart through a six-foot tube with your Puritan grandmother in the room? Would you force feed your children to make them more attractive for a potential groom? It's often said the course of true love never did run smooth -- and it sure takes some odd turns on the path from courtship to marriage. In part one of this special two-part series, Ben and Noel welcome special guests Eli and Diana banks, the hosts of Ridiculous Romance, to explore some of history's strangest courtship rituals.

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A Brief History of Underwear

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 21:55:02 +0000

Underwear! Whether we're talking boxers, briefs, loincloths, brassieres or even lingerie, undergarments have a storied history in cultures across the planet. It's a tale touching on everything from shifting attitudes about morality to scientific innovations, fashion and more. In today's episode, Ben and Noel take a closer look at the ancient origins of underwear, tracing its evolution to the modern day.

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One Guy Was Certain Telepathic Snails Would Replace Telegraphs

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 21:50:00 +0000

Since before the dawn of recorded history, human beings have been obsessed with talking to each other. This primal impulse inspired French occultist Jacques-Toussaint Benoît to propose a new, global communication system in the mid-1800s, a system he was certain would replace the telegraph: collections of snails. Benoît was certain snails, after mating, remained in constant, non-physical contact, meaning pushing one would affect the other, regardless of their physical locations. So, did it work? Tune in to learn more.

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The Duke of Portland Hated People and Loved Tunnels

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 23:08:58 +0000

We've all had those days where we just need a little solitude, a quiet place away from the clamor and chatter of other people. However, William John Cavensidh-Scott-Bentinck, the 5th Duke of Portland, took this to an extreme. He spent the majority of his life minimizing the chance that he might have to run into other people, and eventually honeycombed his estate with an elaborate network of tunnels, including a secret passage to the nearby train station. Tune in to learn more.

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Where do Lemonade Stands Come From?

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 01:15:01 +0000

Today, most Americans think of lemonade stands with nostalgia. In decades past, this could be an enterprising kid's first brush with the world of business as they set out to make a fortune, one cup at a time. But where did these stands come from, and how did they become so ingrained in American cultural identity? Tune in to learn more.

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Painless Parker and the Dental Circus

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 23:19:24 +0000

Edgar Parker, later better known as "Painless Parker," wasn't your ordinary dentist. When his first practice was struggling in 1892, he began to think outside of the figurative box, combining dentistry, showbiz and public spectacle in a way that'd never been done before, including making dentistry part of an actual traveling circus.

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The Rise and Fall of Curative Plane Flights

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 23:11:00 +0000

In the early 1920s, the still-new technology of powered aircraft amazed folks across the planet. People weren't quite sure what this technology could do, so when a plane flight appeared to restore Henry A. Renz, Jr's voice, experts and the public alike wondered whether plane flights might have medical benefits. In today's episode, the guys explore how this came about -- and whether any of these 'cures' were effective.

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That Time People Paid Rent With Eels

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 22:37:51 +0000

Nowadays, most people pay rent with the currency of their given nation — but for a time in England, your rent might have been paid with eels (yes, literal eels). In today’s episode, Ben, Max and returning guest host Matt Frederick explore the strange story of the Medieval eel economy, from the financial constraints that inspired it, to the religious beliefs that sustained it, to explain exactly how owning thousands of eels became a massive economic flex.

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The Miracle of the Gulls: A Cricket War

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 22:36:42 +0000

In 1848, times were dire for the Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake Valley. Massive swarms of crickets laid waste to everything in their path, destroying crops and endangering the community's chances of survival. The threat of starvation loomed. According to the legend the community was saved by the miraculous arrival of gulls with a craving for crickets -- but how much of this story is fact, and how much fiction? Tune in to learn more.

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A History of Pregnancy Cravings, Part 2: Stereotypes, Superstitions and Science

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 22:11:00 +0000

In earlier centuries, when science and spirituality were considered one and the same, the world was full of advice and warnings surrounding pregnancy cravings. In the second part of this two-part series, Ben and Noel explore how humans perceived these cravings: as superstition, stereotype and, eventually, science.

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A History of Pregnancy Cravings, Part 1: Pickles and Ice Cream

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 23:23:53 +0000

Pregnancy is amazing — and scary, and beautiful, and a thousand other things. The modern world has stereotypes and tropes aplenty about pregnancy, especially including the phenomena known as pregnancy cravings. But how far back does this go? In the first part of this series, Ben and Noel explore the history of cravings, along with beliefs about how too much — or too little — of a given food was believed to affect children later in life.

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The Carrington Event, Part II: Attack of the Sun!

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 23:08:42 +0000

Less than 18 hours after Richard Carrington noticed something screwy on the sun’s surface, chaos erupted. Telegraph operators found their machines literally aflame. The Northern Lights were visible from Cuba. People and plants across the globe became convinced it was daytime. Centuries later, Ben and Noel explore the consequences of the Carrington event and — perhaps most importantly — what this may mean for the future.

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The Carrington Event, Part I: The Sun is Acting Strange

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 20:46:51 +0000

When amateur astronomer Richard Carrington gazed through his telescope on the morning of September 1st, 1859, he noticed something weird about the surface of the sun -- it seemed to have clusters of dark spots. Later historians would recognize this as the earliest observation of a solar flare -- and a little less than 18 hours later, the associated coronal mass ejection would wreak havoc on Earth, setting telegraphs aflame, lighting up the night sky and causing many to wonder whether it was the end of the world.

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Loveday: Henry VI's Well-intentioned, Terrible Attempt at Making Peace

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 22:06:22 +0000

In an effort to prevent further conflicts in what would become known as the Wars of the Roses, King Henry VI called the warring parties to London, with a weird pitch -- they would resolve their disputes through diplomacy, culminating in a parade where these sworn enemies would have to literally walk around town holding hands. Tune in to see how it all played out.

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Classic: Why do British lawyers wear wigs?

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 21:47:00 +0000

In today’s Classic episode, the guys travel back to their early days.

For centuries some lawyers and judges in the U.K. have worn distinctive wigs during court proceedings. But why? Join Ben and Noel as they explore the strange history of the peruke.

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That Time Al Capone Ran A Soup Kitchen

Thu, 27 May 2021 21:02:10 +0000

Al Capone is rightly remembered as of the most notorious gangsters in US history -- but for a time residents of Chicago also thought of him as a benefactor. As people struggled to survive the Great Depression, Capone, in an apparent act of benevolence, founded a free, no-questions-asked soup kitchen to feed the hungry. In today's episode, Ben and Noel explore how the kitchen came to be, how it functioned -- and what Capone's true motivations might have been.

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The Phantom Barber of Pascagoula

Wed, 26 May 2021 00:20:12 +0000

For a brief period in 1942, the town of Pascagoula, Mississippi was terrorized by a strange criminal -- he would sneak into people's houses as they slept and cut off locks of their hair. In today's episode, Ben and Noel explore this bizarre series of events (which may remain unsolved in the modern day).

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Joseph Bonaparte, Cryptid Hunter

Thu, 20 May 2021 21:55:19 +0000

Napoleon’s lesser-known, older brother Joseph was, at times, the polar opposite of his conqueror sibling. Yet by merely being related to Napoleon, Joseph often found himself embroiled in geopolitical intrigue. In this episode, Ben and Noel explore Joseph’s rollercoaster of a life — along with his later obsession: Hunting down the infamous Jersey Devil.

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The Mystery of the Devonshire Colic

Tue, 18 May 2021 22:23:06 +0000

For centuries, people around the world were baffled by a bizarre serious of symptoms that seemed to wax and wane in certain regions over time. Various researchers proposed any number of explanations for these regional afflictions, everything from the actions of an angry god to, true story, cider. Eventually, scientists found the answer: lead. Tune in to learn more.

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The Troubling, Hidden History of Turpentine

Thu, 13 May 2021 22:10:21 +0000

Today turpentine is a substance with any number of industrial uses -- but most people don't know much about it, and even fewer people know its history in the early days of the US. In today's episode, Ben welcomes returning guest Yves Jeffcoat as they dive into the largely forgotten story of turpentine camps, from how they began to how they ended and, perhaps most importantly, how the effects of this industry have reprecussions in the modern day.

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A Race Across the World: From New York to Paris in 1908

Tue, 11 May 2021 22:56:00 +0000

In February of 1908, racing teams from multiple nations assembled for an unusual and ambitious race -- they planned to drive from Times Square across the planet to France. These were the early days of the automobile, and success was anything but guaranteed. In today's special 3D episode, Ben and Noel trace the highs (and, mostly, lows) of the men who vied for what they saw as the ultimate prize: A 1,400-pound trophy and lifelong bragging rights.

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The Age of the Crakow, Part 2: A Fashion Arms Race, But For Your Feet

Thu, 06 May 2021 15:33:22 +0000

In the second part of this episode, Ben and special guest Matt Frederick continue exploring the bizarre heyday of the poulaine. Tune in to learn more about the fickle, sometimes ridiculous, cycles of fashionable footware throughout history.

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The Age of the Crakow, Part 1: Medieval Europe Went Nuts For Pointy Shoes

Tue, 04 May 2021 19:06:20 +0000

It appears many eras in history have their own version of sneakerheads. In 15th-century Europe, nobles and commoners alike went absolutely nuts for a type of pointy shoe called the Crakow -- and people desperately wanted the longest, pointiest shoes possible. In this episode, Ben and special guest Matt Frederick, co-creator of Stuff They Don't Want You To Know, explore the origin of the Crakow (and how, eventually, governments made laws dictating how long a given person's pointy shoes could be).

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How Pie in the Face Became a Comedy Classic, Part 2: The Fall (of the Pie)

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 19:56:42 +0000

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How Pie in the Face Became a Comedy Classic, Part 1: Rise of the Pie

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 23:16:08 +0000

Today the old pie-in-the-face gag is a well-worn comedy trope — but how did it become so famous? In part one of this two-part series, Ben and Noel explore the surprising history of pies, cinema and comedy.

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The Great Panjandrum: A Hilariously Terrible Idea

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 21:58:00 +0000

As the British military brainstormed ways to break the German-built Atlantic Wall during World War II, desperation drove them to unorthodox ideas -- one of those, the Great Panjandrum, was a literal rocket-powered, rolling bomb. Tune in to learn how the Panjandrum came to be, what went wrong with it, and how amazing it is that no one actually died during testing.

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Dr. T. W. Stallings: One Man's Corvid-Hating Quest to Make Oklahoma Literally Eat Crow

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 23:00:00 +0000

Times were tough during the Great Depression. Economic unrest, massive migration and falling crops left many people struggling to survive -- even the simple task of finding food from one day to the next became increasingly challenging. Amid this chaos Dr. T. W. Stallings saw an opportunity: If he could convince the good people of Oklahoma to start eating crows the way they ate other birds like ducks or chickens, he could save some lives (and, perhaps more importantly, finally have his revenge on crows).

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Pineapples In Europe, Part 2: People Literally Rented Pineapples to Impress their Friends

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 22:12:05 +0000

As the pineapple craze swept through Europe's upper class, aristocrats worked tirelessly to grow their own pineapples. This was no small feat, since pineapples aren't suited to the European climate. Still, some clever inventors and gardeners figured it out -- and, along the way, non-aristocrats also got into the trend. Since most people couldn't afford a pineapple, they did the next best thing and rented them as a display of status for dinner parties and important gatherings. Tune in to learn more in the second part of this two-part series.

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Pineapples In Europe, Part 1: A Weird, Cartoonishly Expensive Flex

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 00:54:21 +0000

Today, pineapples are a common (and delicious) produce item found in grocery stores and markets across the world -- but not too many centuries ago, a single pineapple could cost the equivalent of over $8,000. In the first part of this two-part episode, the guys delve into the bizarre story of Europe's pineapple mania, attempting to discover just what made this fruit so insanely popular... and why they're so insanely cheap today.

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The Mysterious Dark Day That Terrified New England

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 04:00:00 +0000

As New Englanders woke on the morning of May 19th, 1780, they realized something was... off. The sunrise looked oddly colored and dim. As the day wore on, the sky grew increasingly dark. Soon, it appeared midnight had come early. Animals and humans alike panicked -- cows ran to their stalls, people flocked to churches and taverns, many certain the end of the world was upon them. Eventually, things returned to normal, but in the centuries that followed numerous researchers attempted to figure out exactly what happened. Tune in to learn more.

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The Windham Frog Fight of 1754

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 04:00:00 +0000

As the French and Indian War escalated, the residents of Windham, Connecticut lived in constant fear of possible attacks, crop-ruining weather, disease and more. One late night in the summer of 1754, a loud, continual noise roused the entire town as people feared they may be under siege. It wasn't until near dawn that the noises died down, and a small scouting party discovered the culprits of the cacophony -- a massive population of desperate bullfrogs, screaming at each other for territory in the last dregs of a nearby dried-out pond. Although the townsfolk became the laughingstock of the area after the story came out, they leaned into the image -- and you can see traces of the story in the modern day.

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Ancient Mesopotamian Societies Sacrificed Substitute Kings to Eclipses

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 02:32:53 +0000

Thousands of years before the current day, ancient civilizations accurately predicted both lunar and solar eclipses. They often believed these events were spiritual omens. When an eclipse came at an inauspicious time, multiple priestly classes scrambled to find a substitute king. In the interest of preserving society, these substitute kings would reign during an eclipse, only to be swiftly murdered afterward. Ben defends early humans, asking what we sacrifice today.

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The Mad Gasser of Mattoon, Part 2

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 04:00:00 +0000

As the small town of Mattoon captured national attention during the reign of the Mad Gasser, the investigation took a turn. Authorities were baffled by the deluge of reports -- and their inability to find any physical evidence other than a soiled rag at a doorstep. As researchers and historians looked back on the events, they became increasingly convinced the was a different culprit behind the panic... and though the story was a gas, they were certain there had never been a real Mad Gasser in the first place. Learn more in the second part of this two part episode.

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The Mad Gasser of Mattoon, Part 1

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 23:20:03 +0000

As wartime fears peaked across the US during World War II, people throughout the nation were overwhelmed with fears of invading Nazis, secret biological weapons and more. For the residents of Mattoon, Illinois, these fears took a brief back seat to a new neighborhood menace -- a Mad Gasser who would sneak beside people's windows and pipe in a paralytic gas for reasons no one could understand. But who was this Mad Gasser? What on earth did this criminal want? Tune in to learn more.

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A Currency for Colonies: The Strange Story of "Leprosy Money"

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 04:00:00 +0000

For thousands of years people across the planet lived in fear of leprosy (now known as ‘Hansen's Disease). In many cases, people infected with the disease, or even just suspected of having it, were carted off to isolated colonies where they would be doomed to live the rest of their lives without any access to the outside world. These colonies became their own active communities -- there were blacksmiths, traders, cooks, merchants and more. And this meant the residents of these communities needed some sort of currency. However, they weren't allowed to use 'outside' cash for fear of contaminating it. This led to the rise of something known as "Leprosy Money." Tune in to learn how we got here, and what happened to this currency in the modern day.

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Wyoming Tales, Part 2: Absaroka, the State That Almost Was

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 02:10:59 +0000

Back in the 1930s, the residents of Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota felt the federal government— and the state legislatures— ignored them. They felt unheard, unheeded and, most importantly, moved to find solutions of their own. In this episode, Ben and Noel return to the story of Absaroka to ask: Was this meant to be the 49th state, or was it a publicity stunt?

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Wyoming Tales, Part 1: Walking in the Shoes of Big Nose George

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 00:35:51 +0000

George Parrott was a career outlaw -- a known thief, murderer and would-be train robber. When justice finally caught up with him and his game, he was destined for the hangman's noose. Yet George's demise was only the beginning of a bizarre posthumous tale. Tune in to learn why it's technically possible, even today, to walk in Big Nose George's shoes (and not, perhaps, in the way you might assume).

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The Rise and Fall of the Flea Circus, Part 2

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 23:00:00 +0000

In the second part of this two-part episode, Ben, Noel and special guest Gabe Luzier drill down into the nuts and bolts of flea circuses -- how did they actually work? Is it true that some flea circuses did not, in fact, have fleas? Is there any way to see a real flea circus in the modern day? Tune in to learn more about one of history's strangest novelty performances.

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The Rise and Fall of the Flea Circus, Part 1

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 23:00:00 +0000

Fleas -- they're one of the only animals Ben actually doesn't like! Yet, once upon a time, these bloodsucking nuisances were star performers in novelty acts across Europe and, later, North America. But what were they, exactly? Can you really train fleas to do tricks and play instruments? Who even came up with this weird idea? In this episode, the guys welcome special guest and researcher extraordinaire Gabe Luzier to dive into the origin of that bizarre novelty time largely forgot: the flea circus.

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History's Most Ridiculous (and Deadly) Beauty Trends

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 17:33:48 +0000

It's a Ridiculous History takeover! In honor of International Women's Day, join the hosts of the podcast Stuff Mom Never Told You for this very special episode diving into the depths of history's most ridiculous beauty and fashion trends.

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Billy Cottrell, the Tyrant Mayor of Cedar Key, Florida

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 23:00:00 +0000

The politically-connected, cartoonishly belligerent Billy Cottrell was a terrible Mayor, hated and feared by the locals of Cedar Key, Florida -- and no one was sure what to do. At least, that is, until the Federal government got word of the situation. Tune in to learn how the US President eventually pled with Congress to allow for military intervention.

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The US and the UK Almost Went to War over a Pig

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 17:36:28 +0000

In 1859, a dispute between neighbors in the San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest led to the untimely death of a local (and very unlucky) pig. What could have been an easily resolved situation quickly ignited simmering tensions between the US and the UK, both of whom claimed the islands as their own territory. In the days and weeks after, soldiers from both nations traveled to the area... each waiting for the other side to make the first move in what almost became a full-on war. Tune in to learn more.

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The 1973 Michigan Pizza Funeral

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 23:00:00 +0000

Illario 'Mario' Fabbrini was true American success story: An immigrant who built his own pizza empire just as this iconic food was becoming a normalized, nation-wide delicacy. When the business was brought low by allegations of tainted mushrooms, he did something few people would have been brave enough to consider -- he made the disposal of these so-called 'tainted' pizzas a public event, holding a mass burial for an estimated 30,000 frozen pizzas. The funeral was attended by numerous notable individuals, including the Governor of Michigan. Tune in to learn more about the inspiring, bittersweet story of one man in love with pizza, and how he learned to say goodbye.

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Elagabalus The Raunchy, Racy High Priest Who Became a Roman Emperor

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 22:00:00 +0000

Born Varius Avitus Bassianus, the emperor now known as Elagabalus scandalized ancient Rome with his constant displays of extravagance, his numerous sexual escapades -- and his insistence that all people worship the sun god Elagabal (represented by a mysterious black stone he brought to town). Tune in to learn how everyday Romans reacted to this larger-than-life character, and how his over-the-top behaviors eventually led to his downfall.

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John Wilkins Started a 17th-century Astronaut Program, Part 2: Wilkins (Tries to) Start a Space Program

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 02:00:00 +0000

As John Wilkins began to put more serious thought into the idea of sending people to the moon, he reached out to fellow intellectuals in hopes of exploring the problem. So: How did they go about planning this ambitious endeavor, and how far did they get? Tune in to learn more in the second chapter of this two-part episode.

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John Wilkins Started a 17th-century Astronaut Program, Part 1: Why not aim for the Moon?

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 02:42:58 +0000

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Turtle Soup, Part 2: Rise of the Mock Turtle

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 00:37:16 +0000

In the second part of this series, the guys dive deeper into the story of turtle soup -- and how it soon gave rise to the more affordable, equally delicious 'mock turtle' soup. But what exactly is a mock turtle? Tune in to learn more.

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Turtle Soup, Part 1: A Delicacy of Yesteryear

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 23:03:52 +0000

Today it's uncommon to see turtle soup on most restaurant menus-- but, not too long ago, this was considered a top-notch delicacy, praised for its flavor, enjoyed by world leaders, and widely praised for its deep, unique flavor. In the first part of this series, the guys explore the heyday of turtle soup... and how it eventually led to the rise of mock turtle soup.

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Stab Yourself to Health and Happiness: The Bizarre Rise of the Lebensweker

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 17:01:27 +0000

When a bug bit German inventor Carl Baunscheidt, he was struck with an epiphany of sorts -- could 'venting' the human body through the creation of artificial pores (today known as puncture wounds) allow a person to rid themselves of various diseases and medical infections? Tune in to learn more about the runaway success of Carl's handy, weirdly popular Lebensweker, or Life Awakener.

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The Hatpin Peril

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 04:58:36 +0000

Nowadays, hatpins are a somewhat archaic fashion accessory--but at the turn of the century, they were often used as weapons to deter ne'er-do-wells and scoundrels. Tune in to learn how hatpins became a symbol of women's rights (and an international controversy).

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It's a Cat's World, Part 2: The Rise of the Cat Show

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 00:49:38 +0000

In the second part of this series, the guys explore the story of Harrison Weir, "The Father of the Cat Fancy." Learn how Weir led the charge to save the reputation of felines in Europe and abroad through the creation of high-class cat shows--and how these otherwise wholesome displays of quality cats became increasingly classist.

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It's a Cat's World, Part 1: The Sacred and the Suspicious

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 20:08:01 +0000

Whether you love them or hate them, there's no denying that cats hold a unique position in human society. They're (in)famous for making their own way -- "I tolerate you," the cat seems to say to its owner, "but I do not need you." While modern civilization is pretty pro-cat, this wasn't always the case. In the first part of this series, the guys explore the waxing and waning reputation of felines throughout history, from ancient Egypt to the Middle Ages and beyond.

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Dan Sickles, American Scoundrel, Part 2: The Civil War

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 03:48:48 +0000

After literally getting away with murder, Dan Sickles joined the military, later leveraging the dubious events of his military career to reinvent himself as a war hero. Not everyone was convinced he was quite the paragon he purported to be. Learn more in the second part of this two-part series.

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Dan Sickles, American Scoundrel, Part 1: How to Get Away with Murder

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 01:32:56 +0000

Daniel Sickles was a real pill. For a time, the wealthy New Yorker was famous for his philandering -- and then he became famous for not only murdering a man in broad daylight... but getting away with it by pleading temporary insanity. Learn more about this American scoundrel in part one of this two-part series.

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That Time New York Banned Spitting

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 23:00:00 +0000

As tuberculosis spread throughout the US, New York City banned spitting. Learn how the Ladies’ Health Protective Association saved the Big Apple from a pandemic--and paved the way for the vote.

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Admiral Byrd and the Polar Dairy

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 21:27:00 +0000

In 1933, on his second expedition to Antarctica, Richard E. Byrd took the unusual, highly-publicized step of bringing some non-human crew along: Klondike Gay Nira, Deerfoot Guernsey Maid and Foremost Southern Girl. These three cows--four, if you count the one born in the course of the journey--were darlings of the US press both during and after the journey. But why did Byrd bring them to Antarctica in the first place?

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Weird 21st Century Predictions from Ages Past, Part 2: Your Personal Plane, A World Without Disaster and Retiring on the Moon

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000

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Weird 21st Century Predictions from Ages Past, Part 1: Tesla, Square Tomatoes and Pseudosteak

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 20:54:28 +0000

It's the first Ridiculous History episode of the New Year! Ben, Noel and Casey are ringing it in with some predictions--not their own predictions, mind you. Instead the guys are diving into the predictions of luminaries from ages past, exploring how much (or how little) these historical figures got right about the 21st century.

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The Old Rituals of New Years, Part 2: Neuroscience, Resolutions and the Rick Steves Fan Club

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 14:00:00 +0000

What a year, right? If you're listening to today's episode, you have (almost) officially survived. I'm ringing in 2021 with Noel, Casey and the rest of our Ridiculous Historians in this, the second part of our exploration into the very old roots of very New Years.

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Holiday Classic: When the Puritans Canceled Christmas

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 14:00:00 +0000

Nowadays Christmas is a globally-recognized holiday celebrated by millions of people, but in the past this wasn't the case. In fact, some groups of Christians detested the holiday, going so far as to ban it completely. So what led Puritans to ban one of the most prominent celebrations in the Christian faith? Join Ben and Noel as they take a closer look at the strange story of Puritans and Christmas in this classic episode.

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Holiday Classic: The Strange History of Antarctic Fruitcake

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 14:00:00 +0000

Nowadays fruitcake is considered a stereotypical, often comical holiday punchline, but even in the modern day people across the planet can agree on at least one fruitcake fact: Those things are pretty darn durable! So how long could a fruitcake really last before it becomes inedible? Join Ben and Noel as they travel to Antarctica to find out in this classic episode.

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Goodyear and the Mystery of the Ghost Blimp

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 03:30:00 +0000

In 1942, a U.S. Navy airship flew out over the Pacific to search for Japanese submarines. It lost radio contact and, hours later, slowly crashed in the San Franciscan suburbs. Inside the gondola, everything seemed to be in order -- the parachutes were there, the instrumentation was functioning... but two-person crew was missing. To this day, no one knows exactly what happened aboard the L-8 Ghost Blimp.

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Benito Mussolini was Super into Wearable Milk

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 23:33:59 +0000

Today Benito Mussolini is probably best known as the founder of Italy's National Fascist Party, but he was also very, very into milk. So much so, in fact, that he funneled tons of funding into a strange new process: the creation of wearable milk. Lanital, as it was known, was wool-like in appearance, and, for a time, quite successful! So where are all our milk skirts and milk trousers now? Listen in to learn more.

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Snowmen as Protest: The Miracle of 1511

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 03:58:36 +0000

During the brutal winter of 1511, residents of Brussels built more than one hundred snowmen... and these sculptures weren't the type of snow sculpture you see in the modern day. Instead, the city was filled with satirical, often lewd displays critiquing the city's rulers, its poor and its working class alike. Tune in to learn more about that time snowmen became something like a citywide protest and widespread insult comedy.

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Why are Chimney Sweeps good luck at weddings?

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 04:35:12 +0000

It seems odd, at first - the idea that a random chimney cleaner might pass by a wedding, then be brought into the party, shake sooty hands with the couple, and bless random people on the street. Yet the profession of cleaning chimneys carries generations of tradition, superstition and belief.

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People Have Been Convinced Robots Will Take Their Jobs For Centuries

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 00:15:02 +0000

Nowadays automation is affecting almost every industry on the planet, and numerous experts are raising alarms: AI, robotics and automation, they say, may well spell doom for millions of jobs held by humans. This is a valid concern... but by no means a new one. Join Ben and Noel as they dive into humanity's strange, inspiring, disturbing and, of course, ridiculous relationship with robots.

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That Time the US was Terrified of Tomatoes

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 02:14:50 +0000

Nowadays the tomato is an ubiquitous foodstuff in households across the planet - but in the US, this humble staple was once considered downright poisonous... and, later, it was touted as a miracle cure. In today's episode, Ben and Noel explore the origin of the tomato, its rocky rise to modern fame, and how a few small historical misunderstandings may have led people to believe this beautiful fruit was a symbol of everything from lycanthropy to witchcraft.

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How the Pandemic Helped (and Hurt) the Struggle for Women's Rights

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 19:44:45 +0000

The 1918 epidemic played a massive, sometimes unacknowledged role in the struggle for women's rights. Tune in and learn more in today's episode.

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How a German Prince Built his own Artificial Volcano

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 19:22:00 +0000

Like many nobles of his day, Leopold III Friedrich Franz traveled widely in his youth, taking in the ancient wonders of Europe. A stunning experience witnessing an eruption at Mount Vesuvius transformed the young prince's life. As he headed home to Germany, he vowed he would create a volcano of his own -- and, weirdly enough, he did just that.

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The Weird Origin of Pink Lemonade, Part 2: The Rise of Clown Pants

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 14:32:42 +0000

As historians dove into the evolution of pink lemonade, one theory about its origin seemed particularly compelling (if gross): Pink lemonade, they argued, owes its existence to a circus, a washtub, and an unscrupulous carnie in a hurry.

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The Weird Origin of Pink Lemonade, Part 1: A Humble Citrus

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 01:55:51 +0000

Nowadays, lemonade is a pretty popular drink -- and its counterpart, pink lemonade, occupies a space all its own. But where did this drink come from? Join the guys as they explore the surprisingly ancient origins of lemonade, as well as the dubious series of events that may have led to what we call pink lemonade today.

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An Elephant in the Vatican, Part 2: An Elephant in the Reformation

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 03:02:17 +0000

As Pope Leo X's favorite pal, Hanno enjoyed a unique position in the Vatican -- he was the star of multiple gatherings and celebrations (which didn't always go as planned). Eventually, Hanno became a talking point for the Protestant Reformation. Join the guys as they explore the fate of Hanno and the gold enema that brought him to an untimely end in the second part of this two-part episode.

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An Elephant in the Vatican, Part 1: The Discovery of Hanno

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 02:34:40 +0000

In February of 1962, HVAC workers discovered the remains of an elephant beneath the Cortile del Belvedere -- and a mystery was ahoof. The story begins in 1513, when Portugese king Manuel I sought to give Pope Leo X an extraordinary gift: Hanno, an elephant from distant shores.

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S T O V E G O B L I N

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 21:26:17 +0000

Today's setting: Zaragoza, Spain. The time: September of 1934. The problem? A stove goblin. At least, that's what the hapless Palazón thought as they tried to solve the mystery of a strange, disembodied voice that appeared to mischievously trash talk people from somewhere near the stove of their apartment. The case garnered attention from the police and other investigators, and ultimately disappeared. And, even today, the official explanation leaves a lot to be desired.

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The US Didn't Always Have Secret Ballots

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 23:00:00 +0000

Nowadays, voters in the US consider secret ballots a fundamental part of any election. Yet -- perhaps surprisingly -- this wasn't always the case. The road to secret ballots was long and fraught with absolutely ridiculous, and, at times, dangerous shenanigans. Tune in to learn more.

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The Case of the Greenbrier Ghost, Part 2: The Court

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 22:00:00 +0000

When the defense called Mary Jane Heaster to the stand, they likely meant to discredit her. However, she maintained that her daughter, Elva, had visited her -- from beyond the grave -- with proof that she was murdered.

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Ridiculous History Presents: Criminalia

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 16:51:00 +0000

If you like Ridiculous History, check out this iHeartRadio & Shondaland Audio podcast – Criminalia.

On Criminalia, hosts Holly Frey and Maria Trimarchi explroe the intersection of history and true crime. This season is all about lady poisoners. During the time that Chicago’s most visible criminal element was organized crime, Tillie Klimek was quietly becoming the city’s most prolific female serial killer. She allegedly killed between six and 20 people, all through arsenic poisoning.

We hoped you liked this episode of Criminalia. If you want to hear more, listen to Criminalia every Tuesday on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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The Case of the Greenbrier Ghost, Part 1: An 'Everlasting Faint'

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 03:02:00 +0000

When Elva Zona Heaster passed away, the town doctor attributed the death to a heart attack. Elva's mother disagreed. Convinced that her daughter visited her from beyond the grave, Mary Jane Heaster brought the case into court - and the jury would consider the second-hand testimony of a ghost.

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The Hand of Glory, Part 2: Recipes, Necropants and Toes

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 23:53:00 +0000

Like any recipe, instructions for creating a Hand of Glory often varied - which one was considered legitimate? Also, the guys explore the odd, morbid magical item known as 'necropants,' and discuss the specifics of drinking beverages containing a severed human toe.

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The Hand of Glory, Part 1: A Thief's Theme

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 23:49:00 +0000

If you were an enterprising thief in the days of yore, there were few legendary tools as valuable as the grisly Hand of Glory -- the severed hand of a criminal, magically treated to create a macabre, powerful talisman. Join the guys as they delve into the dubious origins of this strange creation in the first part of this two-part series.

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Brooms and Witchcraft, Part 2: Inquisitions and Iniquity

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 17:33:00 +0000

Could the stereotype of witches on broomsticks actually be a drug reference? Join Ben, Noel and Casey as they continue digging through the history and folklore of witchcraft -- and how it affected pop culture in the modern day -- in the conclusion of this 2-part series.

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Brooms and Witchcraft, Part 1: A Killer in the Rye?

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 01:10:00 +0000

Most people are familiar with the stereotypical image of a witch: a haggard, often older individual with a peaked hat, black robes, a demonic familiar and, oddly enough, a penchant for cruising around on broomsticks. But where did that last, weirdly specific, trope of flying on a broomstick actually come from? Join the guys as they explore the bizarre (and racy) theories behind the story in part one of this two-part episode.

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The Beast of Gévaudan, Part 2: The Birth of a Grisly Legend

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 00:30:00 +0000

As the investigation into the Beast became a national obsession, the French monarchy stepped in, offering rewards (and threats) in their attempt to capture the murderous creature. In part two of this episode, Ben, Noel and Casey explore the end of the tale (tail? Nevermind.) and the mystery of the case that remains unsolved in the modern day.

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The Beast of Gévaudan, Part 1: Murders In France

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 01:30:00 +0000

For three years, a monster terrified the backwater region of Gévaudan. From 1764 - 1767, people found the mutilated corpses, one by one, across the countryside. The press of the time, unable to cover political stories, brought the story of The Beast to France at large. A legend was born.

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The BBC Convinced People Spaghetti Grows on Trees

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 02:51:27 +0000

On the first of April in 1957, cameraman Charles de Jaeger's childhood dream came true: Panorama, Britain's most popular news program, aired a segment describing the traditional method of harvesting spaghetti from trees.

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The US Waged War on Pinball for Decades

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 22:00:00 +0000

Today, pinball is seen as a sort of retro novelty -- it's enjoyable, kitschy and wholesome. Yet for decades, political officials in cities across the United States worried pinball might lead to the downfall of the nation's children, become a driving force for organized crime, and dissolve the moral fabric of the US. So what led to this odd war on pinball -- and why aren't people worried about these games in the modern day?

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The Misadventures of Wade Boggs, Part 2

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 02:00:00 +0000

Wade Boggs is a legendary, larger-than-life figure in the world of sports -- but one of his strangest achievements has nothing to do with baseball. Join the guys and special guest, Matthew Waxman, the creator of Trickeration, as they delve into the legend of Wade's 107 beer airplane flight... and walk through some very boozy math to discover whether the legend is true.

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The Misadventures of Wade Boggs, Part 1

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 22:00:00 +0000

Wade Boggs has always been regarded as a legend, both on and off the ballfield. However, some of his strangest experiences have very little to do with baseball. Join Ben, Noel, and special guest Matthew Waxman, the creator of Trickeration, as they explore the bizarre story of the Wade Boggs sex scandal.

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The Tragic Tale of the 'Turnspit Dog'

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 22:54:07 +0000

Before the rise of household automation, British elites struggled to find the perfect method for cooking meat. They preferred it roasted, slowly, turning continually on a spit to evenly distribute heat. Yet this backbreaking labor proved too difficult for even the most spry peasant child, and so they turned to an innovative (if cruel) alternative: Breeding dogs specifically to turn meat spits. These 'Turnspit Dogs' occupied one of the lowest rungs in the hierarchy of any noble kitchen, living brutal lives of endless toil on what were essentially hamster wheels. Listen in to learn the tragic tale of the 'Turnspit Dog.'

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Knocker-Uppers: The Human Alarm Clocks of the Industrial Age

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 23:57:47 +0000

When adapting to life as factory employees, members of the British and Irish public confronted a new, unexpected obstacle -- how do you make sure you wake up in time for your shift? While predecessors of the alarm clock existed, they were unreliable (and incredibly expensive). And so enterprising people across the land started their own wake-up service, becoming the human alarm clocks affectionately known as 'Knocker-Uppers.'

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That Time New York City Rioted Over Shakespeare

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 23:21:39 +0000

Don't let reality television and wrestling fool you -- celebrity rivalries are a tale as old as entertainment itself. In 1849, the rivalry between two Shakespearean actors culminated in a massive riot that would leave more than 20 people dead in the street. Listen in to learn more about the infamous Shakespeare riot... as well as the sociocultural tensions that actually drove the fray.

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Babies in Incubators were Once a Sideshow Attraction

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 23:15:47 +0000

Nowadays, incubators are a common sight in hospitals across the US -- but, once upon a time, this life-saving technology was treated like a sideshow attraction. Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to 'Infantoriums' to marvel at how incubators were able to keep babies born prematurely both healthy and safe. And, the publicity generated by these side shows may be, in part, the reason this technology is in hospitals today.

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The Rise of the US Camel Corps

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 22:00:00 +0000

In the years leading to the US Civil War, Uncle Sam searched for some way to safely traverse the desert. Horses, mules and humans alike often died of thirst in the unforgiving climate. Jefferson Davis, the the Secretary of War, proposed the military consider an ancient solution: Camels. Tune in to learn more about the rise (and fall) of the US Camel Corps.

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The United Kingdom Has A Weird Thing With Swans

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 02:51:06 +0000

In the days before London found itself riddled with Rolodexes and Lamborghinis, the Crown controlled a now-obscure status symbol: the swan. Every single unmarked swan was the property of the Crown -- and woe betide those who touched a swan without express permission.

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The Nazi Super Horse Program, Part 2: A Horse-filled Heist

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 23:04:40 +0000

As the tide of war turns toward the inevitable defeat of the Nazis, the staff of the secret horse farm fear the oncoming, starving Russian forces will consume their prized Lippizaner horses. In desperation, the farm turns to an unlikely source for help -- the US Army. Tune in as Ben and Noel explore the strange story of the Nazi super horse program.

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The Nazi Super Horse Program, Part 1: Equine Eugenics

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 23:19:06 +0000

Adolf Hitler was inarguably a terrible person. He was also weirdly focused on resurrecting Germany's horse industry. Tune in as Ben and Noel explore the strange story of the Nazi super horse program.

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Railroad Tycoons Decided What Time It Is Now

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 03:36:26 +0000

Nowadays the world is divided into a series of 'time zones.' Yet before the 1880s, towns across the United States ran on a sort of local time -- when you left one town, you often traveled slowly enough to adjust, without much hassle, to the new time in the next community. So, where did this concept of standardized time come from? Spoiler alert: Desperate railroad companies.

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Why do people 'christen' ships with champagne?

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 03:31:18 +0000

We've all heard about the practice of smashing a champagne bottle against the hull of a ship before launching it -- but where does this practice come from? Join the guys as they delve into the surprisingly ancient practice of commemorating ship launches, from ancient Babylon to the modern day.

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The Hidden History of Jewish Pirates, Part 2: Famous Privateers

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 03:58:55 +0000

During the age of European expansion, members of the Jewish diaspora traveled to Caribbean and the continents of North and South America, often escaping the intense persecution of the Inquisition. Some became merchants, others explorers -- and some became pirates. Join Ben and Noel as they explore the little-known stories of specific Jewish pirates and privateers that changed the course of history as we know it in the second part of this two-part series.

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The Hidden History of Jewish Pirates, Part 1: Escaping Europe

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 22:43:01 +0000

During the age of European expansion, members of the Jewish diaspora traveled to Caribbean and the continents of North and South America, often escaping the intense persecution of the Inquisition. Some became merchants, others explorers -- and some became pirates. Join Ben and Noel as they explore the little-known stories of these pirates and privateers, and why Jamaica became known as a haven for those fleeing European persecution.

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Ridiculous "Remedies" of the Spanish Flu: The Rise of the Lemon

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 02:11:25 +0000

Have you ever used a home remedy when under the weather? Some, like honey and lemon (and whiskey) for a sore throat, remain common today. In 2020, other treatments people once swore by seem -- I hesitate to say it -- ridiculous. In the early 20th century, people were desperate to find a cure or treatment for the flu. They tried any number of things that may seem bizarre today, and part of that panic led to the lemon becoming a household staple across the United States.

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That Time Rebellious Freemasons Starting Kissing Porcelain Pug Butts

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 19:00:00 +0000

We've all heard about Freemasons -- but what about the Order of the Pug? Join the guys as they explore the strange series of events that led German Masons to create their own secret society, embodied by a porcelain sculpture of a pug.

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Clever Hans, Part 2: The Rise and Fall of Hans

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 16:45:02 +0000

Unconvinced by claims of this horse's mathematical acumen, psychologist Oskar Pfungst conducted a series of experiments to determine whether Clever Hans was actually solving problems. Pfungst discovered there were serious issues with Hans's 'performance' ... but he also, in a roundabout way, ended up proving Hans was, in some ways, more clever than the average person. Ben also pitches a stunning conclusion to a (fake) movie about Hans's life post-fame.

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Clever Hans, Part 1: The Equine Mathematician

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 21:47:42 +0000

Back in the early 20th century, retired teacher Wilhelm von Osten had a dream -- to exhibit the gifts of his brilliant horse, Clever Hans, to the world. Wilhelm believed Hans was capable of solving pretty advanced math problems, working out the sums in his head and communicating them to humans through a system of hooftaps. And Clever Hans took the German public by storm -- what could this mean? If animals like Hans were this intelligent, could they also have a consciousness or a soul? Some people were over the moon about Hans... and others remained unconvinced.

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Henry VIII and That English Sweat, Part 2: A Disease and a King

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 18:43:01 +0000

While history often only remembers Henry VIII as a real pill, he was also a profound hypochondriac -- and, rightly terrified of contracting the English Sweats, Henry hightailed it to a series of safehouses as he sought to isolate himself from any possible infection. Join the guys as they continue exploring the long-term consequences of the mysterious English Sweats.

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Henry VIII and That English Sweat, Part 1: A Pandemic

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 01:00:00 +0000

Beginning in 1485, a mysterious disease swept in waves across England. No one was sure how it spread, no treatment existed, and the disease took the name of its most memorable symptom. The English sweating sickness seemed to have a taste for the wealthy, and the bulk of fatalities were English. The last widespread outbreak of sweating sickness was reported in 1551 -- after that, the disease vanished. Along the way, it made a king of Henry VIII.

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The Hobo King: Leon Ray Livingston, Chapter Two

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 02:21:33 +0000

As the Great Depression devastates the nation, roughly 2 million people find themselves out of home and hope, migrating toward distant promises of jobs, distant family members -- some distant idea of a better life. The concept of the 'hobo' becomes a mainstream concern. Leon Ray Livingston warns about living a life "on the road."

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The Hobo King: Leon Ray Livingston, Chapter One

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 01:55:29 +0000

Born in San Francisco, an 11-year-old ran away from home, living and writing about his travels. Hailed as a self-coronated 'Hobo King,' Livingston made his own mythology, creating tropes that survive in the modern day.

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The Vikings Made a Fortune in the 'Unicorn' Trade

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 22:12:37 +0000

Nowadays, experts and equestrians alike largely agree: unicorns are creatures of myth. But, not too long ago, the wealthiest people in Europe would pay top dollar for everything from powdered 'unicorn' dust, to fragments or full specimens of 'unicorn' horn, convinced these supernatural relics had curative powers, capable of saving them from poison. So what was really going on here? Join the guys as they delve into the strange story of the unicorn trade, bust some Viking myths and shoutout the excellent, underrated film The Last Unicorn (Ben here: I swear it still holds up).

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Did People Really Throw Tar And Feathers On Each Other?

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 21:00:00 +0000

It's true -- people used to throw tar on other people, then shake feathers on them as a specific form of legally-sanctioned punishment. Where did the concept of tarring and feathering a person actually come from, and how did it spread throughout the world?

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Kate Warne, the Pinkerton Detective Who Saved Abe Lincoln, Part 2: To Rescue A President

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 22:34:52 +0000

While Kate Warne had numerous adventures (and brilliantly solved multiple high-profile cases), her most well-known work with pinkerton involved none other than Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. In the conclusion of special two-part series, the guys continue exploring Kate Warne's adventures with Jo Piazza, the award-winning author, journalist, and host of the new podcast, Fierce.

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Kate Warne, the Pinkerton Detective Who Saved Abe Lincoln, Part 1: The Origin Story

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 00:31:17 +0000

Kate Warne wasn't just the first female private investigator in the US -- she was also one of the best Pinkerton detectives in the history of the agency. In this special two-part series, the guys join forces with award-winning author and journalist, Jo Piazza, the host of Fierce, to learn more about the mysterious origins of the one and only Kate Warne.

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What is Fudge, Part 2: The Rebellion

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 09:00:00 +0000

The students of Vassar thrived despite a system of Victorian -- near Orwellian -- control. In a time when these college students were not allowed to have agency over their own diet, they rebelled, popularizing the confection known as fudge today. Other students at elite institutions joined in, and soon contemporaneous newspapers noted fudge as both a desert and a rebellion against prevailing social norms.

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What is Fudge, Part 1: The Science, The Curious Name

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 22:00:00 +0000

Nowadays, most people in the global West associate fudge with the idea of a homemade, homely confection. Yet once upon a time, this dangerously delightful, sugar-laden snack was the domain of the elite. Learn more about the origin of fudge here -- and tune in for part two of our series: Fudge As Rebellion.

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The North Pole, Part 2: The Chase To The North

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 02:09:13 +0000

The Mercator Projection continues to inform explorers, many of whom send their own appropriative versions of the Mythical North. Join Ben, Casey and Noel as they ask: Who actually discovered the North Pole?

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The North Pole, Part 1: Maps and Legends

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 03:29:00 +0000

In 1569, Gerardus Mercator creates the first world map. It's the predecessor of the cartoonishly inaccurate Mercator projection, and this math guides people toward what they believe to be the North Pole.

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The Mysterious Origin of (and Disturbing Problems with) the "Wolf Whistle"

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 01:50:53 +0000

It's one of those iconic 'you know it when you hear it' sounds - the two-note whistle made famous in old Tex Avery cartoons and multiple films of yesteryear. But what is the wolf whistle? Where did it actually come from, and how did it go from being such a popular trope to something (thankfully) so rare in the modern day?

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World War I and the Rise of the Peat Moss Bandage

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 00:55:02 +0000

War often drives innovation — often out of desperation. In World War I, doctors were overwhelmed and dangerously short on supplies, especially bandages. With no end in sight for the cotton shortage, ingenious doctors found an unlikely (and superior) alternative: peat moss.

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Flashback: Unforeseen Consequences Throughout History: Part 2

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 03:09:15 +0000

How did air conditioning fundamentally change the course of U.S. politics? What does the Y.M.C.A. have to do with cigarettes? Join Ben and Casey as they welcome special guest, Sean Braswell, to learn more about the strange stories of everything from air conditioning to kudzu in part two of this two-part series.

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Flashback: Unforeseen Consequences Throughout History: Part 1

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 23:54:40 +0000

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Louis Wain, the Godfather of Cat Memes: Part 2

Fri, 29 May 2020 01:46:16 +0000

Before the days of WiFi, Reddit, nyan cat and grumpy cat alike, one man set the art world on fire with his increasingly bizarre paintings and sketches of cats. Join Ben, Noel and Casey as they welcome special guest Gabe Luzier on air (finally!) to explore the strange story of Louis Wain in the conclusion of this special two-part series.

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Louis Wain, the Godfather of Cat Memes: Part 1

Wed, 27 May 2020 00:26:00 +0000

If you're listening to this podcast, you definitely know about cat memes. At this point, they're almost like an internet currency all their own. But far before the days of WiFi, Reddit, nyan cat and grumpy cat alike, one man set the art world on fire with his increasingly bizarre paintings and sketches of cats. Join Ben, Noel and Casey as they welcome special guest Gabe Luzier on air (finally!) to explore the strange story of Louis Wain.

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Feedsack Fashion: How Thrifty Inventiveness Transformed America

Fri, 22 May 2020 01:22:57 +0000

In the early 20th century, rural US residents were all-too-accustomed to scraping by, often by any means necessary. Families without the means to buy what they wanted invented ingenious ways of recycling or reusing as much as they possibly could -- you mended the tools you could not replace, you worked with what little food you had -- and, in this spirit, you made the clothes you couldn't afford to buy. Thus was the feedsack dress born. Bags of livestock feed and flour sacks were reused to create everything from undergarments to dresses and bedsheets. Join the guys as they explore how this reinventive strategy of using commercial packaging for clothing was first mocked, then lionized, then emulated by the nation overall.

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Emperor Tiberius Was Debauched, Deranged and Probably Not Fun At Parties

Wed, 20 May 2020 02:25:11 +0000

When Emperor Tiberius first ascended to the throne in AD 14, he seemed to be a principled reformer set on cleaning up the empire -- checking excesses and abuses, erasing loopholes and banning astrologers. However, the death of his son seemed to push him into a severely unbalanced mental state. His paranoia and cruelty were extreme (even for an Emperor) and, eventually, he found he preferred to eschew politics altogether, reigning as Emperor in name alone from the isolated island of Capri, where he reputedly engaged in all manner of depraved, hedonistic sexual acts before returning, years later, to terrorize Rome.

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The Return of Historical Flexes, Part 2: Flexcessiveness

Thu, 14 May 2020 23:49:00 +0000

History is riddled with bizarre stories of flexes — things people of the past thought were somehow impressive at time. The Ridiculous Historians are fascinated by these strange stories, as are their friends at The Daily Zeitgeist. Join Ben and Noel as they welcome returning guests Jack O'Brien and Miles Gray, hosts of The Daily Zeitgeist, to explore more of history's weirdest flexes, from Henry Ford's weird town in Brazil to Stalin's forced drinking parties.

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The Return of Historical Flexes, Part 1: 2 Flex 2 Furious

Tue, 12 May 2020 23:01:00 +0000

History is riddled with bizarre stories of flexes — things people of the past thought were somehow impressive at time. The Ridiculous Historians are fascinated by these strange stories, as are their friends at The Daily Zeitgeist. Join Ben and Noel as they welcome returning guests Jack O'Brien and Miles Gray, hosts of The Daily Zeitgeist, to explore more of history's weirdest flexes, from predecessors of photoshop to one of the world's bloodiest revenge stories and more.

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The Authors Of Curious George Were On The Run From Nazis

Fri, 08 May 2020 00:11:42 +0000

Today, Curious George is a world-famous star of children's books -- but back in the day, his name was Fifi, and his creators, the Rey couple, were desperate to flee France as Nazi forces pushed ever closer to Paris. Tune in to learn how Curious George saved his own creators not once, not twice, but three separate times.

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People Used To Straight Up Drink Gold

Tue, 05 May 2020 23:55:50 +0000

For millennia various luminaries have claimed precious metals have special curative powers -- and, back in the day, people used to actually drink it. They were convinced the ingestion of gold would prevent them from aging, wrinkling and growing frail. So how did this would-be beauty secret actually affect people's bodies? Tune in to learn more about drinking gold.

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New Zealand's Tragic (And Pretty Hilarious) Exploding Pants Epidemic

Fri, 01 May 2020 00:06:25 +0000

For a brief span of time, farmers in New Zealand were baffled by a bizarre phenomenon -- their pants were smoldering, catching fire, and sometimes exploding, seemingly at random. So what exactly happened? Join the guys as they delve (and solve) the mystery of New Zealand's exploding pants.

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That Time Trainwrecks Became a Spectator Sport

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 23:06:42 +0000

Nowadays, most people use the term 'trainwreck' to describe a situation gone catastrophically wrong, but back in the glory days of the railroad, trainwrecks -- actual trainwrecks -- became PR stunts and spectator sports. Tune in to learn more about the Crash at Crush.

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Miguel de Cervantes and the Case of the Fake Don Quixote

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 17:32:28 +0000

Nowadays, "The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha" has no shortage of accolades. You'll hear it called the first modern novel, one of the greatest works in the Spanish canon and so on -- and it's always been a blockbuster, even when the first part of the novel initially published back in 1605. The 1605 volume ends with a tease of a sequel, one that Cervantes would later publish in 1615. But there's a twist -- in 1614, someone else published a sequel of their own. Cervantes was livid, broke, and thirsting for revenge. Tune in to learn more.

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The CIA Paid War Spies with Stuff From the Sears Catalog

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 16:50:08 +0000

When CIA agent Jon Wiant began growing a spy operation in Vietnam, he ran into a pickle: the locals he wanted to hire lived in rural areas along the boarder with Laos, and they existed primarily in a barter economy -- they wanted some sort of payment, but they didn't want currency. What's a spymaster to do? Listen in to learn how Jon Wiant used the famous Sears catalog to create a barter system of his own.

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The Bottle Jumping Hoax (And Riot)

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 00:14:11 +0000

In 1749 London, a mob of people gathered outside The Theatre Royal -- the city was abuzz with excitement over a recent advertisement promising an amazing performance: a magician was planning to perform a number of extraordinary feats -- he would name strangers, play music on walking sticks and more. Most impressively, he would, through the use of magic, climb into a normal-sized wine bottle. One problem: This was the result of a secret, cynical bet. And when the magician didn't deliver (or even show up), a riot ensued.

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The Bizarrely Disturbing History of People Jumping Out of Cake

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:15:36 +0000

It's an old trope, and a familiar one: Four and twenty blackbirds flying from a pie, a scantily-clad woman emerging from a giant cake. Nowadays it's often thought of as a trope in folklore -- but where did it come from? Join Ben, Noel and Casey as they explore the weird, ridiculous history of living things jumping from baked goods.

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HL Hunley: The Mysterious Demise of a Civil War Submarine, with Rachel Lance

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 00:39:21 +0000

On the evening of February 17th, 1864, the HL Hunley became the first submarine in history to successfully sink an enemy ship. Immediately after this attack, the HL Hunley disappeared. More than a century passed. Join the gang with Rachel Lance, author of In The Waves, as they dive into the mystery of the Hunley.

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Dromomania: The Wanderlust Disease

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:16:09 +0000

In the 1890s, France found itself in the groups of a bizarre, troubling epidemic -- scores of men were, apparently, wandering off in a trance-like state, only to come to their senses days or weeks later, sometimes miles from home, or even in a different country. Physicians called it dromomania, or 'pathological tourism.' But what was the root cause of this seemingly contagious disorder? Join the guys as they dive into the mystery of seemingly inescapable wanderlust.

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Key West, Florida Declared a One-Minute War on the United States

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 01:33:18 +0000

It's true -- once upon a time the isolated town of Key West, Florida not only seceded from the Union, but declared war on the United States (for about sixty seconds). Tune in to learn more about the short-lived Conch Republic.

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That Time the US Literally Banned Sliced Bread

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 03:21:41 +0000

You've probably heard the old saying "the best thing since sliced bread" -- and back in the day, people in the US were genuinely over the moon about presliced bread, thanks to the work of Otto Rohwedder and his automatic bread slicer. Yet during World War II, panic over the country's food supply led to a brief ban on presliced bread... and that's when things got ugly. Tune in to learn more.

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Two Green Children Mystified Woolpit, England

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 00:43:33 +0000

Imagine you're working in a field in the tiny community of 12th-century Woolpit, England, and encounter two green-skinned children with no knowledge of your language, a strangely specific diet, and a mystifying origin story. What would you do? Join the guys as they explore the strange story of the mysterious 'Green Children' of Woolpit, England, separating fact from folklore in an attempt to discern the truth at the heart of the myth.

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Pepsi Briefly Became the Sixth Largest Navy in the World

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 00:14:23 +0000

At multiple, pivotal moments in the Cold War, Pepsi and Coke waged Cola wars all their own. The guys team up for the first episode of Ridiculous History: Quarantine.

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The Ponzi Scheme with Chelsea Ursin

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 00:12:53 +0000

Nowadays most people are familiar with the term 'Ponzi scheme' -- but where does it come from? How did the scheme work, and why is it called a Ponzi scheme today? Chelsea Ursin, Boston native and creator of Dear Young Rocker, joins the guys to explore the fascinating, ridiculous story behind the Ponzi scheme.

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The History of MREs with Jacqueline Raposo

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 23:04:20 +0000

It's often said that an army marches on its stomach, and for thousands of years the world's militaries tried to feed their forces on the march (often with mixed success). Join the guys and Jacqueline Raposo, creator of Service: Veteran Stories of Hunger and War, as they explore the strange story of army food, from its ancient origins to the modern day.

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Donald Crowhurst Faked a Race Around the World

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 01:37:38 +0000

Sailing around the world is a dangerous proposition, even in the modern day — now imagine doing it by yourself in the 1960s! That's what underdog Donald Crowhurst claimed to do... except he made the whole thing up.

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Calvin Coolidge Skipped Town and Went Fishing for Three Months (While He was President)

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 00:46:30 +0000

Widely known as a taciturn man who liked public gatherings even less than he liked people, Calvin Coolidge was often ridiculed by the press -- reporters regularly followed his movements in hopes of gathering new, ridiculous anecdotes about him. So it's no surprise that about 30 reporters followed him when he headed off for a fishing-themed vacation in the Black Hills of South Dakota... but what happens when the President decides his three-week vacation will last for three months?

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The Presidential Dinner That Scandalized America

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 18:09:54 +0000

Breaking bread with your fellow humans has long been acknowledged as fantastic, wholesome way to bond with people outside of social conventions, economic status and so on -- but when Teddy Roosevelt invited Booker T. Washington to dinner at the White House, people across the the United States lost their collective minds. The idea that the activist and the president would dine together drove racists mad, and some activists in Booker's community accused him of being a sell-out. Tune in to learn how two guys grabbing some nosh scandalized America at the time -- but eventually pushed the nation in a better direction.

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Was the Lone Ranger Inspired by a Black U.S. Marshall?

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 01:36:12 +0000

Bass Reeves was a larger than life figure -- a man who escaped slavery, taught himself multiple Native American languages, and eventually became one of the most well-known deputy US Marshalls in the entirety of the United States. Join the guys as they explore the thrilling story of Bass Reeves -- along with the speculation that he may have been the real life inspiration for the Lone Ranger.

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Night Soil Men Were the Unsung Heroes of Urban Sanitation

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 18:42:52 +0000

While city life has its charms, it's not without its problems -- and some of those problems are real stinkers. In the days before widespread sewage systems, urban centers across the world struggled to solve one filthy dilemma: what do you do with all the poop? Between all the waste matter from horses, livestock, or, of course, humans, many cities were in a crisis mode as streets, latrines and even docks became unusable. The solution? The unsung heroes of early city life known as the night soil men. Join Ben and his returning guest Jonathan Strickland as they explore the strange, oddly inspiring story of the night soil men (and invent the phrase 'poop heist').

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The Tiny Spanish Town That Went To War With France For 100 Years

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 04:08:21 +0000

Located two hours' drive inland along a winding potholed road from Almeria on Spain's southeastern Mediterranean coast, the small town of Lijar, Spain is notoriously difficult to find. Yet the town's tiny population sought to make an international impact in 1883 when they officially declared war on France for offending the Spanish king (France either didn't notice or didn't care). Join Ben and his surprise guest as they explore the strange story of Lijar's century long, bloodless, ridiculous war with France.

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The Great Diamond Hoax - Part 2

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 22:48:51 +0000

The California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s did more than just move hundreds of thousands of people across the continent -- it also convinced these people that they, too, could strike it rich. This optimism attracted con artists and scamsters like moths to the proverbial flame. Philip Arnold and John Slack were no different -- but when these two men started the diamond hoax, they had no idea just how far it would go. Tune in for part one of this special two-part episode.

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The Great Diamond Hoax - Part 1

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 03:00:37 +0000

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'Mad' Jack Churchill: The Bagpipe Playing Soldier Who Hunted Nazis with a Longbow - Part 2

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 23:29:37 +0000

It sounds like something straight out of a Tarantino film -- a bloodthirsty, eccentric soldier welding a longbow and claymore against Nazis, then celebrating his exploits by wailing on some bagpipes. Oddly enough, this is a true story: John 'Mad Jack' Churchill was a real-life World War II soldier known for his love of anachronistic weapons and his near-suicidal attitude on the battlefield. Join the guys as they explore the strange story of Mad Jack in part two of this two-part episode.

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'Mad' Jack Churchill: The Bagpipe Playing Soldier Who Hunted Nazis with a Longbow - Part 1

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 20:07:16 +0000

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Erasto Mpemba: The High School Student Who Disproved Thermodynamics

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 17:40:50 +0000

Let's say you put two containers of water in a freezer. Water in one container is at room temperature, while water in the other container is hot. Which one will freeze first? Many people would understandably assume the cooler water would be the first to freeze -- and that assumption, oddly, would prove to be incorrect. Join the guys as they delve into the story and struggle of young Erasto Mpemba, the student for whom the Mpemba effect is named, exploring his initial experiments all the way to the ongoing controversy over this strange phenomenon.

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The Straw Hat Riots of 1922

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 00:10:43 +0000

The world of fashion has historically been a landmine of strange, seemingly arbitrary rules, from when to wear white around labor day to what constitutes appropriate dress for a given event. However, in the early 20th century, one particular rule about when to wear a straw or a felt hat came to a violent head in the United States, plunging the Big Apple into chaos. Join the guys as they explore the bizarre tale of the Straw Hat Riots of 1922.

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The Legend of Tarrare, the Insatiable Glutton Who Ate a Quarter of a Cow Daily

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 00:57:00 +0000

What's the craziest thing you've ever eaten? Odds are you have nothing on the legendary Tarrare, the infamous Frenchman famous for eating everything from whole baskets of apples to rocks and — brace yourself — actual garbage. Join the guys as they dive into Tarrare's strange career, wondering how he was able to accomplish these dubious, troubling gastronomic feats.

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Why Genghis Khan's Great-Great Granddaughter Was Just as Badass

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 00:24:06 +0000

Khutulun was the warrior daughter of Kaidu, and the great-great granddaughter of Genghis Khan. While she was fearless in battle and an accomplished hand-to-hand fighter, tradition dictated that she be married off to cement political alliances. One problem: Khutulun didn't consider herself the marrying type. She agreed in principle to the marry someone, with one crucial caveat -- to win her hand in matrimony, her future husband would have to best her in the wrestling ring.

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That Time Ernest Hemingway's Younger Brother Started His Own Country

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 01:39:01 +0000

Most people have heard of Ernest Hemingway, but what about his younger brother, Leicester? 16 years Ernest's junior, Leicester seemed set to live in his older brother's shadow -- until, that is, he came up with a plan to get in the headlines all on his own. Writing novels was all well and good, thought Leicester, but why don't I start my own country?

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The Ersatz Wild West Shootouts of Palisade, Nevada

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 01:27:00 +0000

During the glory days of the railroad era, the public was gripped by mythic, larger-than-life tales of the Wild West -- people reveled in visions of train robberies, shootouts and attacks by vicious ne'er-do-wells. When one train conductor told a resident of Palisade, Nevada that his passengers were bummed to learn the real west wasn't all that wild, the members of the small town joined forces and began staging their own, entirely fake, train robberies and bandit attacks. What started as a prank became an institution, and over the next few years Palisade would become home to hundreds of theatrical train robberies.

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The Great Goldfish Gulping Craze That (For Some Reason) Swept America

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 19:27:18 +0000

It's no secret that kids do all sorts of dumb things -- but have you ever swallowed a live goldfish? If so, you're not alone. In fact, it wasn't so long ago that hundreds of college students across the United States began gulping live goldfish by the dozens. Tune in to learn why.

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Pneumatic Tubes: The 'Futuristic' Transport System That's Over 150-Years-Old

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 00:13:12 +0000

Did you ever use on of those neat little pneumatic tubes at the drive-through of your local bank? If so, you may be surprised to learn just how far the roots of this technology date back. Join the guys as they explore the bizarre evolution of pneumatic tubes, from transporting parcels to packages, cats and even, once upon a time, people.

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Violet Jessop, the Unsinkable Stewardess Who Survived Three Famous Shipwrecks

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 17:15:11 +0000

Have you ever been on a cruise ship? Have your ship ever sank? This happened not once, not twice, but three times to cabin attendant Violet Jessop. Tune in to learn more about how the resourceful (and lucky) Ms. Jessop lived through three shipwrecks — including the sinking of the Titanic.

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Abandoned Ship: What Really Happened Aboard the "Mary Celeste"?

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 22:55:47 +0000

Once upon a time the Mary Celeste was just a ship like any other, ferrying goods to and fro across the oceans -- at least, that is, until December 1872, when the Canadian brigantine Dei Gratia found the Mary Celeste adrift and abandoned. The ship showed no signs of a struggle. The cargo was intact. The lifeboat was missing, but the occupants of the Mary Celeste were never seen again. Learn how this story became one of the most enduring (and misunderstood) mysteries in maritime history.

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That Time America Fell In Love With Competitive Walking

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 18:47:53 +0000

While people often call baseball the "national pastime" of the United States, there was once another contender for this crown -- the sport known as pedestrianism, or competitive walking. It was exactly what it sounds like -- groups of people walking, often in a circle, while spectators gambled on the results. And, for a time, this sport captured the entire nation's attention. Join the guys as they take a stroll (get it?) down the historic lane of one of the country's strangest sports.

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The Weird Stories Behind Your Favorite Christmas Carols

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 20:25:21 +0000

Christmas carols have a storied, strange history. Join the guys on the last day of 2019 as they crack open the eggnog and dive into the ridiculous histories of some of the season's most popular Christmas songs, from the story of 'Hopalong boots' to the weird tradition of wassailing.

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The Time Salvador Dali Partnered with Walt Disney - Part 2

Thu, 26 Dec 2019 14:00:00 +0000

Salvador Dali and Walt Disney weren't just two of the greatest artistic innovators of their time — they were also close friends with a bromance for the ages. Learn more about Dali and Disney's friendship (and how they almost made one of the weirdest cartoons of all time) in part 2 of this 2-part episode.

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The Time Salvador Dali Partnered with Walt Disney - Part 1

Tue, 24 Dec 2019 14:00:00 +0000

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Colonel Blood and the Theft of the Crown Jewels

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 19:37:49 +0000

The grifter, adventurer, thief and (probable) spy known as Thomas Blood spent much of his life as a widely-known rogue and all-around scoundrel -- but when and he his followers attempted to steal the Crown Jewels of England from the Tower of London in 1671, he became a legend. Join the guys as they explore the strange story of this historical heist.

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The Starving Time: When Jamestown Colonists Turned Cannibal, Part 2

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 22:14:00 +0000

While children are often taught a sanitized version of early American history, the reality of life in a European colony was brutal -- and, at times, fatal. During the winter of 1609 to 1610, the colonists of Jamestown struggled to survive siege, starvation and fractured leadership. As their stores of food ran low, the increasingly desperate colonists began to eat horses, pets, vermin, shoe leather and, eventually, one another. At least, that's the rumor. Join the guys as they separate the fact from fiction in the second part of this two-part episode.

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The Starving Time: When Jamestown Colonists Turned Cannibal, Part 1

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 17:43:00 +0000

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The Strange Tradition that Forced Everyone in New York to Move House on the Same Day

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 17:18:24 +0000

It's no secret that moving can be a hassle -- the packing, preparation, time and money spent relocating from one home to another can be a huge pain. Now imagine if everyone in your town had to move on the same day. For decades this was the case in New York City, where all residents (for some reason) had to move on May 1st. Join the guys as they delve into the strange tradition that forced every resident of New York City to move on the same chaotic day.

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French Waiters Once Had to Strike for Their Right to Wear Mustaches

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 22:52:00 +0000

If you're going for controversial facial hair, there's not much that can top the hirsute hot take known as the mustache. While most people can generally do whatever they want with their facial today, this wasn't always the case. In fact, at the dawn of the 20th century, restaurant staff in France actually went on strike for their right to, among other things, rock a mustache.

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The Honey Trap: Sex in Espionage Throughout History

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 19:36:00 +0000

Sure, love at first sight may be a real thing -- but, occasionally, there's an ulterior motive involved. Join the guys as they explore the bizarre practice known as the Honey Trap, and why spies throughout history have used this technique to extract secrets, kidnap and even assassinate targets.

Note: This episode contains mature content, and may not be suitable for all ages.

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The Weird, Weird History of Shipping: Part 2

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 14:00:00 +0000

How far did the components of your phone travel to land in the palm of your hand? Nowadays, even the most mundane items can come from half a world away. This wasn't always the case -- join the guys as they explore the weird, weird world of shipping in this special two-part episode.

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The Weird, Weird History of Shipping: Part 1

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 23:49:00 +0000

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Benjamin Lay: The Quaker Who Called Out the Hypocrisy of Slavery, Part 2

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 14:00:00 +0000

As Benjamin Lay continued his one-man protest against the hypocrisy of slavery in the Quaker community, he inspired some folks and frustrated others (primarily the elders of his community) with his increasingly over-the-top tactics. After being kicked out of one community after another, he eventually became a hermit of sorts -- though, even then, his story wasn't done.

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Benjamin Lay: The Quaker Who Called Out the Hypocrisy of Slavery, Part 1

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 23:11:00 +0000

Nowadays, people often look back on U.S. Quakers as staunch abolitionists, but this wasn't always the case. In fact, when the Quakers first arrived on the continent they, like many other colonists, owned slaves. It was up to Benjamin Lay to bravely call out their hypocrisy, pointing to the discrepancy between their religious views and their earthly practices.

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How Bertha Heyman Conned Her Way Into Show Business

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 18:33:47 +0000

Bertha Heyman was a notorious con artist with a robust rap sheet and a penchant for bilking well-to-do, otherwise shrewd men. Listen in to learn how Bertha's life of crime led her, oddly enough, into showbiz.

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That Time Germany Got Obsessed With Polar Bear Photos

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 17:50:13 +0000

When French photo collector Jean-Marie Donat stumbled upon his first vintage picture of a German dressed as a polar bear, he initially thought it was just an odd historical anomaly -- at least, that is, until he found a second one. And then a third. And on, and on. Eventually Donat realized he'd stumbled across a bizarre photo trend: For decades Germany was obsessed photographs of people dressed as polar bears. So how did this trend get started, and why did it disappear? Listen in to learn more.

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Rose Mackenberg: Houdini's Ghostbuster

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 16:00:00 +0000

While the papers of the time relegated Rose Mackenberg to a sidekick role as the "girl detective" working with famed skeptic and escape artist Harry Houdini, this spiritualist-turned-spook-spy spent decades busting con artists purporting to be mediums. And, after Houdini's death in 1926, Rose Mackenberg continued her mission, exposing fraudulent ghost racketeers -- a genuine, real-life ghostbuster.

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Science and Spiritualism: Why were ghost stories so popular in the 1800s?

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 18:00:00 +0000

Nowadays western historians tend to regard the scientific progress of the 19th century as a linear, indelible line from one breakthrough to the next. Yet these astonishing innovations in science occurred in step with a resurrection of paranormal belief. Why were ghost stories so prolific in this age?

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John of Bohemia, the Blind King Who Charged Into Battle

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:14:13 +0000

We recount the epic tale of John of Bohemia, a 14th-century king who charged into the Battle of Crécy at age 50 - despite having been blind for the past ten years.

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Kakigōri: The Story of Japan's Famous Shaved Ice

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 00:15:00 +0000

While this Japanese delicacy isn't the world's only icy dessert, it's certainly one of the most unique -- that iconic, delicate texture sets it apart. Kakigōri tastes like a treat fit for aristocrats and royalty, and that's no surprise: Back in the 11th century, that's exactly what Kakigōri was.

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John Edmonstone: The Man Who Trained Darwin

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 02:45:32 +0000

Born into slavery in the 1700s, John Edmonstone gained his freedom in 1817 and moved to Edinburgh, where he stuffed birds for the Natural Museum and taught taxidermy to a young Charles Darwin. Tune in to learn more about the life and times of the man who not only taught Charles Darwin, but inspired him to explore the planet and, eventually, produce groundbreaking science that would forever change the way we think of the natural world.

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The Death of Luxury Air Travel

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 22:21:16 +0000

Flying in an airplane is an enormous privilege, but nowadays it's often seen as an inconvenience more than anything else -- the crowding, the lines, the security check and so on can certainly take the magic out of a journey. Yet this wasn't always the case -- in decades past, air travel was the last word in mobile luxury. So what changed? Tune in to learn more.

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The Bizarre Capitulation of Stettin

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 22:58:50 +0000

When French General Antoine Lasalle first arrived at the Prussian-held city of Stettin in 1806, his odds of successfully capturing the community seemed laughably low -- Prussian Lieutenant General Friedrich Romberg had over 5,000 heavily-armed troops at his command, while Lasalle had less than 800 French soldiers. So how exactly did Lasalle convinced Romberg to not only surrender, but also cede his troops, arms and the fortress of Stettin overnight?

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John Wilkes Booth's Brother Saved Abraham Lincoln's Son

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 00:21:08 +0000

Sometime in 1864 or 1865, Robert Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln, had a close call with death in a subway station when he was saved at the last minute by an honest-to-God celebrity -- Edwin Booth, one of the most famous actors of the day. Neither man knew their fates would intersect in a much more tragic fashion shortly thereafter, when Edwin's brother, actor John Wilkes Booth, would assassinate Robert's father Abraham.

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John Clem: The 12-year Old Civil War Hero

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 20:37:09 +0000

Although most soldiers in the U.S. Civil War were between 18 and 39, an estimated 20% of the soldiers were underage -- and thousands of those children were under the age of 15. John Lincoln Clem was one of the most extreme examples of this phenomenon, and remains one of the most well-known today. He joined up with the Union when he was only eleven years old, surviving multiple conflicts and living to the ripe old age of 85. But how did he feel about the practice of allowing children into battle? The answer might surprise you.

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Christopher Columbus Was Such A Jerk That Even Spain Turned Against Him

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 21:42:27 +0000

For decades in the West, Christopher Columbus was often inaccurately portrayed as a pioneering explorer, his life, times and crimes sanitized in the public record. Schoolchildren learned rhymes about this individual, and in the US he was given an official holiday. However, the activities of the real Christopher Columbus fall far short of the image children were taught growing up. In fact, Columbus was such a dirtbag that, eventually, even the Spanish Crown turned against him.

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The Kaiser’s Plan to Invade the United States

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 17:32:24 +0000

Kaiser Wilhelm II was nothing if not ambitious, and he had grand geopolitical plans to increase German influence across the planet. In his mind, there was one big roadblock in the way — the pesky United States. Join the guys as they explore the bizarre German plans to invade the U.S.

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How Uncle Tom's Cabin Became One of the Most Popular Books in China

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 18:34:40 +0000

Published in 1852, Uncle Tom's Cabin quickly reached international acclaim, becoming the best-selling novel of the 19th century, and the second-best selling book after the Bible. While this antislavery narrative profoundly affected American attitudes about slavery, the story also had a global reach -- in fact, a Chinese translation of Uncle Tom's Cabin became one of the hottest books of the late Qing Dynasty.

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Tom Watson Gordy: How One Uncle’s Adventures Inspired Jimmy Carter to Join the Navy

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 00:16:25 +0000

Former President Jimmy Carter has dedicated his life to public service, but even now few people know what exactly inspired him. Join Ben, Noel and special guest Ryan as they explore the astonishing adventures of Carter’s Uncle Tom Gordy — and how one man’s letter home set Carter on a path that would eventually lead to the presidency.

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Teddy Bears, Rhinos, Safari and Everywhere Else: A Conversation with Daniel Scheffler

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 13:00:00 +0000

Although he was wildly popular during his final Presidential term (the world-famous Teddy Bear was even inspired by him), Theodore Roosevelt declined to run for the office again in 1908. Immediately after the inauguration of President Howard Taft in 1909, Roosevelt set out on his dream trip -- a safari across the African continent. Join the guys and special guest Daniel Scheffler, the host of Everywhere, as they explore the complicated, paradoxical relationship Roosevelt had with conservation and hunting, along with how a Teddy Bear inspired Daniel to travel to over 120 countries.

You can listen to Everywhere wherever podcasts are available. Listen here.

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The Gaspee Affair: Rhode Island’s Revolutionary “Tea Party”

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 21:29:22 +0000

Most US residents are familiar with the famous Boston Tea Party - but it was far from the only conflict of this type. Join the guys as they explore Rhode Island’s Gaspee Affair, and why it’s sometimes called Rhode Island’s Boston Tea Party.

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Otto Rahn, The Nazi Occultist Who Hated Nazis and Inspired Indiana Jones

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 22:37:43 +0000

Otto Rahn was a German writer obsessed with finding the Holy Grail -- and, despite being opposed to the Nazi party, as well as openly gay, Otto was financed by one of his biggest fans: Henrich Himmler, the infamous head of the SS. Himmler was convinced Rahn was on to something, pouring money into Rahn's expeditions to find the Grail. So what happened next?

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4 Times Women in the US Were Actually Arrested for Wearing Pants

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 02:50:10 +0000

Today we take a look at a practice that many of us do every day without a second thought - namely, wear pants. However, for women throughout history, wearing pants has not always been such a trivial matter. Join Ben and special guest Christopher Hassiotis as they examine four times that women in the United States were arrested simply for wearing pants.

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Sir Francis Drake and the Great Iowa Swindle

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 18:35:43 +0000

When Oscar Hartzell's mother met Milo and Sudie, she fell for a story too good to be true: She, as an heir to the fortune of Sir Francis Drake, was eligible to receive a large part of his treasure -- all she had to do was help pay for court costs in the UK. Yet when Oscar finally figured out the con, he joined forces with the fraudsters, eventually becoming the head of one of the largest scams of the age. Join Ben and special guest Christopher Hassiotis as they explore the bizarre rise (and fall) of Oscar Hartzell.

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Around the World in a Model T: The Story of Aloha Wanderwell

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 16:09:37 +0000

Nowadays her name may be unfamiliar, but in the 1920s Aloha Wanderwell was an international celebrity, traveling hundreds of thousands of miles across the globe and filming her adventures. Tune in to learn more about the life and times of the explorer often called "the Amelia Earhart of the Automobile".

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Why George Washington is Huge in Barbados

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 23:27:36 +0000

Before he became one of the leaders of the Revolutionary War, George Washington was just another young man with big dreams and no small amount of wanderlust. It’s no surprise, then, that he jumped at the chance to travel to Barbados with his elder half-brother. Join the guys as they sit down with special guest and research associate Ryan Beresch to learn more about Washington’s seven weeks in Barbados -- and how it fundamentally altered the course of his life.

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John Willis Menard: The First African American Elected To US Congress

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 00:20:11 +0000

A statesman, editor, publisher, poet, activist and more, John Willis Menard was a true Renaissance man, and he dedicated his life to public service. Listen in to learn more about the life and times of John Willis Menard.

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The Bloody Revenge of Saint Olga of Kiev

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 22:38:56 +0000

When the rebellious Drevlian tribe killed Princess Olga of Kiev's husband, Igor, she set forth on one of history's bloodiest revenge's schemes, instigating not one but multiple unsaintly, violent massacres. Join the guys as they explore Olga's brutal rise to power -- and how she ultimately became a saint.

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The Super Fight: When Muhammad Ali and Rocky Marciano Had A Fight That Never Happened

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 00:18:36 +0000

Radio executive Murray Woroner had a dream -- a fantasy radio boxing tournament matching 16 fighters from different eras. In a move that pushed the boundaries of 1960s technology, his team programmed a computer with that boxers' strengths, weaknesses and various fight scenarios that might occur. This ultimately led to one of the strangest bouts in boxing history: The Super Fight between Ali and Mariano, a match that occurred on film, but never happened in real life.

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Shame and Fish: The Embarrassing and Tragic Story of François Vatel

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 20:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ben and Noel dive into the story of François Vatel, a majordomo who was tasked with organizing an extravagant royal banquet in 1671. With 2,000 attendees expected, among them many high-ranking French dignitaries, the pressure was high. Tune in to find out the ridiculous and tragic story of what happened next.

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Creature Feature: Go Home Nature, You're Drunk

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 17:10:00 +0000

Join the guys as they make a return appearance on Creature Feature, the podcast that takes a critter’s eye view to explore how animal behavior parallels the behavior of humans. In this episode, Katie Goldin and the guys explore some of the strangest quirks of animal anatomy... and they learn some things simply can't be unseen.

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Hunting Fireflies for Fun (and Profit)

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 02:14:28 +0000

From the 1960s well into the 1990s, thousands of children in the United States were actually paid to hunt fireflies. Join the guys as they explore the strange story of Sigma and firefly hunting — and get surprised by an unexpected guest.

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The Listener Mail Extravaganza

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 01:27:40 +0000

The guys often end the show by asking you and your fellow listeners for your own takes on everything from strange town names, crackpot military experiments and more. In today’s episode, Ben and Noel explore some of their favorite listener feedback and — for some reason — decide to check out their worst reviews online.

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That Time Ancient Monks Waged War Over A Copyright

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 14:53:18 +0000

The first modern copyright law was the Statute of St. Anne, passed in Great Britain in 1710. However, copyright disputes themselves are much older -- and in at least once case, an argument over copyright led to thousands of deaths. Listen in to learn the strange story of how Saint Columba and Saint Finian went into open battle over copyright.

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Ye Xian: The Story of China's Cinderella

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:48:35 +0000

We've all heard the story of Cinderella -- it's one of the world's most popular fairy tales! However, this story exists in multiple versions across the world. Join the guys as they explore the ancient tale of Ye Xian -- the Chinese Cinderella.

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The Portuguese Bank Note Crisis: How One Lucky Forger Almost Destroyed A Nation's Economy

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 20:17:19 +0000

Artur Virgilio Alves dos Reis had a gift. He wasn't the smartest kid growing up, nor was he the most athletic -- he was, however, one of Europe's most talented forgers. After a string of various cons, he decided to go big. How big, you ask? Tune in to learn how one lucky conman almost single-handedly brought down the entire Portuguese economy.

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Cow Shoe Camouflage: How Prohibition-era Moonshiners Outsmarted the Feds

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 23:57:55 +0000

During the Prohibition Era, moonshiners and federal agents continually tried to outsmart one another — and one of the moonshiners’ most creative inventions? The bizarre footwear known as Cow Shoes.

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Castle Itter: When Germans and Americans Joined Forces in World War II

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 18:20:13 +0000

With one notable exception, American and German forces were bitterly opposed to one another during World War II -- that exception? The Battle of Castle Itter. Tune in to learn more about the strange sequence of events that led both the US and the Germany army to team up for a rescue mission.

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A Grave Mistake: The Story of Patton's "Abandoned Rear"

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 20:38:32 +0000

When George S. Patton decided to found a tank training school in the tiny French village of Bourg, the mayor approached him in tears. "An American soldier has died here," said the mayor, "and I would like to lead you to his grave." Patton followed the lachrymose politician to the grave site -- but he wasn't prepared for what he would find.

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Did the US Mafia actually start in New Orleans?

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 15:56:12 +0000

When we think of the mob today, most Americans think of New York City -- and why not? After all, films, books and TV shows often depict New York as the heart of mob country. Yet, as the guys discover in today's episode, the story of the Italian-American mafia has a surprisingly different (and often forgotten) origin point.

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Meet Albert Cashier, the Trans Man Who Fought for the Union in the Civil War

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 17:26:21 +0000

Born as 'Jennie Hodgers' with a female sex assignment on December 25th, 1843, Albert Cashier emigrated to the United States lived as a man from his early teens on through the rest of his life. Despite the massive prejudices of the time, he managed to find support in his local communities, his friends and his fellow soldiers from the 95th Illinois Infantry both during and after the war, when the US government temporarily tried to revoke his pension.

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Operation Northwoods: How the US Planned to Attack Itself and Start a War with Cuba

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 18:01:20 +0000

It's no secret that the US and Cuba have a long history of tense relations, often teetering on the brink of war. But just how far would Uncle Sam go to begin a genuine war with Cuba? The answer can be found in the declassified proposals for Operation Northwoods, a secret plan to wage false flag attacks on US citizens, soldiers, planes and ships, all with the goal of blaming these attacks on Cuba.

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That Time Irish Separatists Invaded Canada

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 13:00:00 +0000

It’s true! Once upon a time, Irish separatists based in the United States thought invading Canada was the best way to reunify Ireland. Join the gang as they explore the rise of the Fenians (and, along the way, why Canada is more than capable of defending itself).

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The Night Witches: How an All-female Soviet Bomb Squad Terrorized Nazi Germany

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 20:48:18 +0000

The 588th Night Bomber Regiment didn't have the best equipment, and they didn't have the best planes. What this all-female bomber regiment did have, however, was unstoppable ambition, brilliant strategies and dozens of fearless pilots. Listen in to learn more about the rise of the terrifying force the German soldiers called die Nachthexen -- the Night Witches.

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Bug Wars: When We Tried to Turn Insects into Soldiers

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 21:11:54 +0000

Let's be honest: Bugs aren't everyone's cup of tea, but they're fascinating, crucial parts of the ecosystem. They're also, according to a few eggheads, the perfect weapons of war. Join the guys as they explore the bizarre experiments governments conducted in the field of entomological warfare.

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Yasuke, the African Samurai

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 17:56:20 +0000

Japanese Daimyo Oda Nobunaga was fascinated by the mysterious, towering slave of a visiting Jesuit missionary, and soon this man, Yasuke, joined Nobunaga's court, eventually becoming a full-on samurai. Join the guys as they explore the strange life of the African-born samurai, Yasuke.

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The Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm I Tried To Make An Army of Super Tall Soldiers

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 13:00:00 +0000

Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm was fascinated by all things military, but the crown jewel of his army was a group known as the Potsdam Giants -- men recruited on the basis of their height alone. If these tall boys, teens and men didn't want to sign up for the Giants, the King had no problem kidnapping them. Listen in to learn more about the strange story of the Potsdam Giants.

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Playboy, Progressive Politics and Stand-up: The Dick Gregory Story with Wayne Federman

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 20:54:06 +0000

In this episode, Wayne Federman joins the guys to explore the rise of legendary comedian Dick Gregory, who began life as a boundary-breaking stand-up comic. Tune in as the gang explore's Gregory's evolution, his association with Hugh Hefner, and his later calling as a full-time civil rights activist

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I Modi: The Scandalous Erotic Blockbuster Banned By The Vatican

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 17:00:07 +0000

Nowadays it's no secret that some Papal administrations from centuries past were a bit more scandalous than others, but when master engraver Marcantonio Raimondi created prints of explicit art located within the papal palace, the church was scandalized. Learn more about the bizarre tale of "The Sixteen Pleasures".

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Patriots, Prisoners and Plants: The World of Political Body Doubles

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 18:00:00 +0000

Has anyone ever told you you resemble a celebrity? Have you ever thought of making this resemblance your job? In today’s episode, the guys explore real-life stories of body doubles, from World War II to surprisingly recent events.

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Fort Blunder: The US Fort Mistakenly Built in Canada

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 16:30:00 +0000

After the War of 1812, the US decided to shore up security at Lake Champlain by constructing a fort on Island Point. However, due to a surveying error, the US ended up building this fort in Canada, rather than the states. Listen in to learn more about the ridiculous story of Fort Montgomery, and why some people prefer to call it Fort Blunder.

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The Duke of Edinburgh is Literally a God in Vanuatu

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 19:15:00 +0000

Compared to most people, the UK's Prince Phillip has a pretty swell life -- he's literally royalty, has never gone hungry, and has traveled the world meeting some of Earth's most important people. And, to some residents of Vanuatu, he's also a god. Join the guys as they explore the evolution of the religious movements collectively known as 'cargo cults'.

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The Honorary Citizens of the United States

Thu, 30 May 2019 21:04:46 +0000

Did you know you can become an honorary citizen of the United States? It's true -- but it isn't easy. Join the guys as they explore the life and times of the rare few who managed to become honorary citizens in the United States.

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The Nature of Ephemera, with Alex Williams

Tue, 28 May 2019 18:30:00 +0000

Whether we’re talking yesterday’s newspaper, pamphlets from museums, or even old lottery tickets and straw wrappers, the world is chock full of things that were not meant to last. Today the guys join Alex Williams, the creator of the new podcast Ephemeral, to explore the strange, beautiful, disturbing and tragic stories of things that came and went, from the Collyer brothers to Pizzaria chips.

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The Return of Listener Mail

Thu, 23 May 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Have you written to the guys lately? All of their best topic suggestions come from you and your fellow listeners -- tune in as Ben, Noel and Casey take some of their favorite listener suggestions to the air in this episode of Listener Mail.

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That Time Ohio and Michigan Almost Went To War

Tue, 21 May 2019 16:00:00 +0000

A misunderstanding of the geography of the Great Lakes started a feud, known as the Toledo War, between the state of Ohio and a territory called Michigan. Tune in to Ridiculous History to hear how the conflict between these lands was solved.

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The Rise and Fall of Local Scrip: Alternative Currencies of the Great Depression

Thu, 16 May 2019 21:23:56 +0000

Have you ever been so broke that you ended up creating your own currency? It may sound like a crazy idea today, but during the Great Depression multiple communities actually created and circulated their own forms of local currency. And this wasn't a lark -- it was a matter of survival. Listen in to learn more about some of the precedents for the (world-famous) BenBucks.

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The Attack of the Japanese Balloon Bombs

Tue, 14 May 2019 22:18:20 +0000

Picture this: It's late 1944, and you, like thousands of other people on the west coast of North America, have noticed bizarre, jellyfish-like objects floating through the sky. You call the local authorities, maybe even the Air Force, only to be ignored. You don't see anything about this in the papers or on the radio. You are in the midst of a real-world conspiracy of silence -- until, that is, the bombs begin to explode. Listen in to learn more about the attack of the Japanese balloon bombs.

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Marie Antoinette and the Diamond Necklace Hoax

Thu, 09 May 2019 19:48:37 +0000

Queen Marie Antoinette's reputation was already tarnished by gossip in 1784, but was completely ruined by the implication that she defrauded the crown jewelers, conning them out of a dazzling, expensive diamond necklace. That's the short summary -- but the story itself is a startling tale of intrigue and iniquity. Listen in to learn more about the strange tale of the diamond necklace hoax.

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Nosy Boraha: The Pirate's Paradise (And Cemetery)

Tue, 07 May 2019 23:32:04 +0000

Nowadays most people know the pirates depicted in fiction bear little resemblance to real-life, historical pirates. Few actually buried any treasure, and fewer still lived in secretive island hideouts -- however, in at least one case, the truth appears stranger than fiction. Join the guys as they explore the story of Nosy Boraha, the Pirate's Paradise.

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How the Black Death Came To Norway On A Ghost Ship

Thu, 02 May 2019 19:50:11 +0000

In the 1300s, the Black Death sprang up in central Asia and swept across continents, killing millions. Quarantines became common as various nations sought safety in isolation, and some met with more success than others. Norway may have staved off the plague for years, were it not for a mysterious ghost ship -- listen in to learn more.

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Susanna Caroline Matilda: The Colonial Grifter Princess

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 22:17:02 +0000

Have you ever dreamed about shedding your old identity, casting aside your obligations and becoming an entirely different person? Susanna Caroline Matilda, narrowly escaping death after stealing from the Queen, did just that upon arriving at the American colonies. Join Ben, Casey and returning guest Christopher Hassiotis as they unravel the strange story of the Colonial Grifter Princess.

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History's Weirdest Flexes, Part 2

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 18:36:00 +0000

While the phrase 'weird flex' may be relatively recent, it turns out that this phenomenon itself is as old as human civilization. Join the guys with special guests Miles and Jack from The Daily Zeitgeist as they explore some of the strangest (and most petty) flexes in human history in the conclusion of this two-part episode.

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History's Weirdest Flexes, Part 1

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 22:46:00 +0000

Do you know anyone who decided to show off in a weird way? While the phrase 'weird flex' may be relatively recent, it turns out that this phenomenon itself is as old as human civilization. Join the guys with special guests Miles and Jack from The Daily Zeitgeist as they explore some of the strangest (and most petty) flexes in human history.

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How Robert 'The Fastest Knife in the West End' Liston Conducted a Surgery With a 300% Mortality Rate

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 19:32:00 +0000

It's no secret that hospitals can be intimidating, scary places -- but the medical operations of the modern day can't hold a candle to the grisly procedures of the 1800s. Back then, even some of the best surgeons still had about a one in ten chance of their patients dying during or shortly after a procedure. And Robert Liston was no exception. Listen in to learn how this otherwise top-notch surgeon managed to kill not only his patient, but also his assistant and some guy just standing nearby all in the course of one procedure gone horribly wrong.

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How Oliver Cromwell Got Executed Several Years After His Death

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 21:11:02 +0000

Today, Oliver Cromwell is known as one of the most famous figures in English history -- he was a Puritan with no military experience when the Civil War broke out in 1642, but within a decade he rose to the position of Lord Protector, essentially ruling Wales, Scotland and England. He died of natural causes, but was later executed... after his death. What are we talking about? Tune in to find out.

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Hong Xiuquan: The Younger Brother of Jesus Christ Who Led a Bloody Rebellion in China

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 17:37:43 +0000

When the schoolteacher who would come to be called Hong Xiuquan first heard of the Christian religion, he wasn't particularly bowled over. However, when he had a nervous breakdown after failing his scholarly exams, he experienced a series of visions that he later believed revealed his true destiny: He was the younger brother of Jesus Christ, and he was meant to lead his followers to earthly and spiritual freedom. Tune in to learn how Hong Xiuquan's visions sparked one of the bloodiest rebellions in Chinese history.

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How Big Bill Speakman Fought Off North Korea With Beer Bottles

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 16:48:23 +0000

Bill Speakman, better known as the “Beer Bottle VC”, single-handedly took on a brigade of Chinese People’s Army Infantry in four hours of close-quarters combat. As he ran out of actual weapons, he began throwing beer bottles -- and, somehow, survived. Tune in to learn more about Big Bill Speakman, the Beer Bottle VC (and learn why he came to hate this nickname).

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Teddy Roosevelt May Just Have Saved Modern (American) Football

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 17:01:44 +0000

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Prohibition, Prescriptions and the Rise of 'Medicinal' Booze

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 17:11:41 +0000

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Did Robert E. Lee hate Confederate Memorials?

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 22:34:23 +0000

From 1861 to 1865, the United States of America was a country divided. More than a century later, it remains America's bloodiest war. After the cessation of conflicts and the surrender of the Confederate army, General Robert E. Lee found himself constantly approached to endorse numerous different memorials, statues and other structures. There was just one problem -- he apparently hated them.

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California Schoolchildren and the Great Squirrel War

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 20:38:45 +0000

In 1918, as the planet was consumed by World War I, the government of California found itself combating an unexpected and catastrophic enemy: Ground squirrels. The rodents were wreaking havoc across the countryside, consuming crops left and right. State horticulture commissioner George H. Hecke proposed an unorthodox solution -- enlist schoolchildren in a statewide massacre of all ground squirrels. Oddly enough, it worked.

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When West Virginia Begged the USSR for Foreign Aid

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 18:02:52 +0000

Were it not for the coal mine, the town of Vulcan, West Virginia may well have never existed. As a rural and geographically isolated community, Vulcan relied on a single, small bridge for its connection to the larger world. When the bridge failed, the town repeatedly tried to get financial assistance from the local and state government -- with no success. In a state of increasing desperation, the Mayor of Vulcan wrote the Soviet Union for help... during the Cold War. Listen in to learn what happened next.

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Idiomatic for the People II, Part 2

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 19:05:00 +0000

Language is beautiful and, in many cases, continually evolving. As a result, we end up with hundreds of strange idioms and figures of speech that we use on a daily basis, with little to no understanding of what they originally meant. Join the guys with special guests Frank Mulherin and Rowan Newbie, the creator of the Pitches podcast, as they explore the bizarre origins of your favorite turns of phrase.

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Idiomatic for the People II, Part 1

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 16:57:00 +0000

Language is beautiful and, in many cases, continually evolving. As a result, we end up with hundreds of strange idioms and figures of speech that we use on a daily basis, with little to no understanding of what they originally meant. Join the guys with special guests Frank Mulherin and Rowan Newbie, the creator of the Pitches podcast, as they explore the bizarre origins of your favorite turns of phrase.

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The Statue of Liberty Almost Lived in Egypt

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 21:49:00 +0000

Today the Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous landmarks in the United States -- but it almost didn't make it to Liberty Island. Join the guys as they explore the strange story of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and his quest to build this iconic monument.

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Agent Garbo: The Strange Tale of the Man Who Saved D-Day

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 14:00:00 +0000

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The War of the Stray Dog: How Far Would You Go For Your Pet?

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 17:17:46 +0000

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The Tragic Origin Story of Morse Code

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 19:05:13 +0000

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Operation Gunnerside: How a Crew of Military Skiers Ruined the Nazi Bomb

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 22:21:05 +0000

On February 27, 1942, nine saboteurs set out in the middle of the night to blow up a Nazi-controlled heavy water plant in Norway. This operation was as crucial as it was complicated -- if the plant continued to function, the Nazis very well may have been able to construct an atomic bomb. Tune in to learn exactly how the commandos glided in and, eventually, skied away.

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How far did Isaac Newton go to hunt down forgers?

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 17:15:37 +0000

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How Admiral Horatio Nelson Ended Up Dead in a Barrel of Brandy

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 11:00:00 +0000

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English Men Used to Sell Their Wives

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 21:53:45 +0000

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How Louisiana Almost Became a Hippo Ranching Hub

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 19:33:03 +0000

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The Weird Life of George Washington, Part 2

Fri, 08 Feb 2019 00:38:24 +0000

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The Weird Life of George Washington, Part 1

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 21:56:01 +0000

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Who was the highest paid athlete in history?

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 23:29:25 +0000

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Clara, The World's Most Famous Rhinoceros

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 00:55:43 +0000

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How the Monopoly Board Game Became a World War II Escape Kit

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 23:29:48 +0000

Monopoly is a pretty divisive game, and people tend to either love it or hate it. However, for hundreds of Allied POWs captured during World War II, Monopoly became more than a mere diversion -- it became, instead, their ticket to freedom. Join the guys as they explore the strange sequence of events that led the UK to turn Monopoly into a real-life escape kit.

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Idiomatic For The People, Part 1

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 00:42:00 +0000

Language is beautiful and, in many cases, continually evolving. As a result, we end up with hundreds of strange idioms and figures of speech that we use on a daily basis, with little to no understanding of what they originally meant. Join the guys and special guest, Rowan Newbie, the creator of the Pitches podcast, as they explore the bizarre origins of your favorite turns of phrase. (Ben here, with a bonus question: I went through and noted multiple turns of phrase we all used unintentionally - how many can you catch?)

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Was there a real-life Rapunzel?

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 18:42:04 +0000

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Benjamin Franklin's Advice on 'Finding a Mistress'

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 20:17:00 +0000

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What does 'Idaho' actually mean?

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 18:09:00 +0000

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Uncle Sam Tried to End World War II With Bat Bombs

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 17:39:22 +0000

It sounds like something straight out of the cave beneath Bruce Wayne's Manor, but thanks to the passion of a part-time inventor named Lytle Adams, the United States military really did spend millions attempting to arm bats with incendiary devices and launch them -- real-life bat bombs -- across Japanese cities. Here's the weird thing: It could have actually worked.

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The American Soldiers Who Defected to North Korea and Became Movie Stars

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 00:09:26 +0000

Often described as one of the most isolated countries in the world, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has been ruled by the Kim dynasty since 1948. And while most reports of defectors focus on harrowing stories of North Koreans escaping to freedom in China or South Korea, a handful of people actually traveled in the other direction, defecting to North Korea. Listen in to learn more about the strange journeys American soldiers took, away from the military and straight to the forefront of North Korea's film industry.

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How a Broken Toilet Foiled a German Sub

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 14:00:00 +0000

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Creature Feature: The Dark Tetrad

Thu, 27 Dec 2018 22:00:00 +0000

Join the guys as they make an appearance on Creature Feature, the podcast that takes a critter’s eye view to explore how animal behavior parallels the behavior of humans. In this episode, Katie Goldin and the guys explore the dark tetrad in the animal world, ultimately answering the age old question: Who's the most prolific serial meow-derer?

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Gustaf Broman Tried to Cross the Atlantic in a Canoe . . . Or Did He?

Tue, 25 Dec 2018 11:00:00 +0000

In 1895, Gustaf Broman announced he would sail across the Atlantic in a 13-foot-long sailboat crafted from a cedar log. His route had an odd beginning -- he planned to start at Oregon, sail down to California, then put the boat on rails and ride it up to New York before finally reaching the Atlantic. Additionally, his log boat was anything but seaworthy. Some 4000 people gathered to watch Broman embark... but, eventually, his past came to light, and people began to wonder whether there was more to the story. (I mean, obviously there was. That's why we're doing a show about it.)

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The Weird, Surprisingly Recent Origin of the Tooth Fairy

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 17:22:10 +0000

For millions of kids in the West, the story is as mysterious as it is profitable: Once your baby teeth begin falling out, hide them beneath your pillow. Sometime in the night, the Tooth Fairy will retrieve the tooth, leaving you some cash -- perhaps spare change, perhaps as much as twenty dollars -- to thank you for your gift. So where does this idea come from? Join the guys as they explore the strange, surprisingly recent origin of the Tooth Fairy. (And parents, if you're listening with your kids, be warned: This episode does include spoilers.)

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When Vikings Loot The Wrong Town

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 17:14:07 +0000

Like many Viking leaders, Halfdan and Bjorn wanted to be known for their fearlessness in battle and their ability to locate the finest spoils -- they wanted the community to tell stories of their valor for generations to come. Their father Ragnar built a name for himself raiding Paris, so they wanted to kick things up a notch and raid an even more prominent city: Rome. However, there was one small problem with their plan.

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Were Tulips Really The Bitcoin of the 1600s?

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 22:26:38 +0000

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(Some of) History's Dumbest Military Prototypes

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 19:08:24 +0000

It's true that the world's militaries often pioneer technological innovation -- but don't let all those great successes fool you! The world's militaries have at least as many failures as they do breakthroughs. Join Ben, Noel and special guest Christopher Hassiotis as they explore some of humanity's most hilarious military missteps, from round ships to rocket bullets and ball tanks.

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The Forty Elephants: London’s All-Female Jewel Thieves

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 23:03:29 +0000

For at least 200 years, part of London’s criminal underground was ruled by a gang of brilliant, all-female jewel thieves. Join the guys as they explore the rise and fall of the notorious Forty Elephants.

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The Malleus Maleficarum: A Real-life Witch Hunter's Bible

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 21:33:06 +0000

During Europe's period of witchcraft hysteria, one enterprising (and failed) witch hunter sought to bolster his reputation by creating an authoritative text on the existence, discovery and persecution of witches. While it may seem silly now, the Malleus Maleficarum was a runaway success, with thousands of copies inundating European society even while various officials warned against treating it as a reliable source. Listen in to learn more about The Hammer of the Witches.

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The Great London Beer Flood of 1814

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 22:38:10 +0000

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Dr. Seuss Wrote His Most Famous Book On A Bet

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 19:28:29 +0000

Nowadays, world-famous children's author Dr. Seuss is one of the most well-known writers on the planet. "Green Eggs and Ham", one of his most successful books, sold over 8 million copies by 2016 -- but would you believe he wrote it based entirely on a bet?

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Feral Children and the True Story Behind The Jungle Book

Thu, 22 Nov 2018 11:00:00 +0000

What inspired Rudyard Kipling to write The Jungle Book? Join the guys as they explore the real-life, tragic stories of feral children abandoned by their human parents, adopted by animals and raised in the wild.

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When Dentist Sold Dentures Made with Corpse Teeth

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 02:56:45 +0000

Here in the modern day, most people don’t love going to the dentist — but we still have it much better than the dental patients of yesteryear! Join the guys as they dive into a strange, grisly story from the early days of dentistry.

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The Laxative-laden Journey of Lewis and Clark

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 23:51:57 +0000

Before Lewis and Clark set out to explore the western side of the continent, they tried to prepare for every possible contingency — including medical conditions like constipation. Join the guys as they explore how a dangerous laxative didn’t just save members of the expedition, but also may have preserved their campsites for posterity.

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The Strange and Spectacularly Disgusting Story of the Great Kentucky Meat Shower

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 23:28:39 +0000

On March 3rd, 1876, residents of Bath County, Kentucky were startled to see what appeared to be chunks and flakes of meat falling from the clear, cloudless sky. The rain, which only lasted a few minutes, captured national attention. People across the country proposed various theories explaining the deluge, and today the guys believe they've finally solved the mystery.

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The Bizarre Origin of the Oxford English Dictionary

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 21:13:33 +0000

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How Conman Victor Lustig Sold The Eiffel Tower (Twice)

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 17:16:52 +0000

Born Robert Miller, the man who would later become known as Count Victor Lustig traveled across Europe and the US bilking hundreds of people out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. He had many, many scams, and posed as everything from an elite theatre producer to a stressed-out, down on his luck government official and more. Here's the thing: For most of his career, Victor was able to talk his way out of any arrests or convictions. Join Ben and special guest Christopher Hassiotis as they explore the Count's most ambitious, ridiculous scam -- selling the Eiffel tower (twice).

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George Carlin Gets Quoted in the Supreme Court: Ridiculous Stand-up Stories with Wayne Federman

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 00:56:15 +0000

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The People vs. Lenny Bruce: Ridiculous Stand-up Stories with Wayne Federman

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 00:17:00 +0000

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The Life and Times of Ol' Knife Hand

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 20:20:00 +0000

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The Ridiculous Story of the World’s First (Documented) Serial Killer

Thu, 18 Oct 2018 16:35:00 +0000

Locusta of Gaul, also known as Lucusta The Poisoner, was one of the most infamous criminals of ancient times. Alternately sponsored and betrayed by the noble class, she committed crimes with impunity for years — even, at one point, opening an academy to teach her poisoning skills to others. Tune in to learn more about the rise and fall of what may well be the world’s first documented serial killer.

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Back When the Rich Ate Corpses

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 17:15:00 +0000

Nowadays it's safe to say that cannibalism isn't a widely-accepted practice, but not so long ago it was considered the bleeding edge (get it?) in medicine throughout Western Europe. Join Ben and Noel as they explore the odd practice of consuming human body parts in hopes of curing all one's ills, through everything such as the King's drops to bandages soaked in human fat, along with related stories of the legendary Mellified Man and the current, tragic phenomenon of Tanzanian criminals hunting down those suffering from albinism to use their body parts in magic rituals.

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The Mummies of Guanajuato

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 16:26:16 +0000

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The Curious Rise of SPAM

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 15:42:05 +0000

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The Smooth-talking Takeover of Tabor Bridge

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 20:59:31 +0000

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History's Coolest (Non-Human) Political Candidates, Part I

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 17:05:00 +0000

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Attack of the Aswang: How the CIA Used Vampires as Weapons of War

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 22:24:57 +0000

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A Dead Pope Goes To Court

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 20:45:11 +0000

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Who are the Hartlepudlian Monkey Hangers?

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 22:23:08 +0000

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William Walker: Filibuster and (Fantastically Bad) President

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 17:18:30 +0000

The adventurer and filibuster William Walker was, in his heyday, lauded as an American hero for his repeated failed invasions of areas of Mexico and Nicaragua. But what led this man on a fanatical mission to invade these regions? Perhaps more importantly, why did so many folks in the US support his various strange escapades?

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Lawsonomy: How the Father of the Modern Airline Started His Own Religion

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 19:02:34 +0000

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War and Candy: The Infamous Tootsie Roll Air Drop

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:39:05 +0000

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The Man Who Assassinated Abe Lincoln's Assassin

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 15:47:54 +0000

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The Cock Lane Ghost: Haunting, Hoax, Hysteria… or Hilarious?

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 00:22:20 +0000

In 1762, crowds from across London gathered in hopes of seeing something the papers called "The Cock Lane Ghost". This alleged spirit was known to communicate in knocks and scratches, reacting to yes or no questions and, according to some observers, seeking justice from beyond the grave. But who was this spirit, exactly? What did this poltergeist have to do with William Kent and his ongoing dispute with landlord Richard Parsons? Join the guys as they delve into the strange, strange story of the Cock Lane ghost.

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Roland the Farter and the Weird World of Professional Flatulence

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 21:26:20 +0000

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Gregor MacGregor Invented a Country and Convinced People to Invest in It

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 19:18:07 +0000

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Angry Feds and Deadly Booze: The Story of the Chemists' War

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 22:24:57 +0000

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Project A119: The Cold War Plan to Nuke the Moon!

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 18:06:36 +0000

It sounds like something straight out of your favorite sketch comedy show -- what if a crack team of scientists joined forces with the world's most powerful military on a mission to nuke the moon? Don't waste too much time asking why we'd want to do this... just imagine the explosion. Join Ben and Noel as they explore the bizarre and terrifying true story of Project A119, the secret US plan to detonate nuclear weapons on the moon.

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Adidas Versus Puma: A Tale of Two Brothers

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 18:23:09 +0000

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Fanny and Stella: The Cross-Dressing Scandal of Victorian England

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 18:02:21 +0000

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Kansas Imprisoned Women For Having STDs

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 21:06:30 +0000

At the close of World War I, American soldiers returned home from abroad with scars, wounds, stories and, in some cases, infectious diseases of which their romantic partners were unaware. When cities in Kansas noted the spike in sexually-transmitted diseases, they embarked upon a misguided quest to quell the infections by imprisoning the women these soldiers had infected (the soldiers didn't get arrested). So why did Kansas decide to imprison women for having STDs, how long did the program last, and why have so few people heard about it in the modern day?

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The WWII Naval Battle Won Using Potatoes

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 17:35:42 +0000

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The Korean Soldier Who Fought for 3 Armies During WWII

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 17:38:59 +0000

Born in what is now North Korea, Yang Kyoungjong didn't set out to become a soldier -- but fate had other plans. Join the guys as they trace one man's journey through prisons, battlefields and multiple armies in a desperate bid to survive World War II.

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Oregon Was a White Supremacist Paradise

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 13:00:00 +0000

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Why did people hate the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge?

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 23:11:24 +0000

Nowadays most people are fans of national parks, but this wasn't always the case. Join the guys as they delve into the strange 'birds vs. babies' conflict over Lake Malheur.

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The 1904 Summer Olympic Games in St. Louis Hosted a Racist 'Special Olympics'

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 16:29:05 +0000

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When Heineken Made Bottles That Could Be Used as Bricks

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 17:22:53 +0000

Heineken is one of the world's most well-known, popular beers, and people across the planet can instantly recognize the iconic green bottle and red star. But in the 1960s Freddy Heineken dreamed of a bottle that could do more than just hold beer -- he wanted to make bottles that could be used to build houses and shelters across the world (selling tons of booze in the process, of course). Join Ben and Noel as they explore the oddly inspiring story of Freddy Heineken and his dual purpose bottle brick.

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Why British Soccer Players Saluted the Nazis

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 20:31:09 +0000

As global tensions grew to a breaking point in the lead-up to World War II, European nations used every available avenue to pursue their geopolitical goals, including the propagandistic power of sporting events. Join the guys as they explore the strange policy of appeasement, and how it led British soccer players to salute Nazi officials on the field.

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The United States That Never Were

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 15:46:01 +0000

Nowadays the number of U.S. states seems set in stone -- since 1959 the country has been comprised of fifty states, with one star for each on the flag. Yet in the not-so-distant past the concept of statehood was both contentious and fluid, with multiple groups vying for recognition of their own territorial claims. Tune in to hear the strange stories of would-be states across the continent, as the guys trace each state's rise and fall, along with their influence on the modern day.

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Philadelphia's Transylvanian Doomsday Cult: The Cave of Kelpius

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:20:06 +0000

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Enough About Us: What About You?

Thu, 05 Jul 2018 18:11:06 +0000

When we're talking about Ridiculous History, one thing's for sure: The story doesn't stop when the podcast ends. You've probably heard Ben and Noel mention the Ridiculous Historians page in previous shows -- the place where you and your fellow listeners can suggest topics, trade strange tales and delve even further into the stories from earlier episodes. And the guys enjoy these stories so much that they had to bring them on air! Tune in for first-hand tales from your fellow Ridiculous Historians.

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Weird Wars Fought For Dumb Reasons

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 18:52:49 +0000

What do a camel, a bucket and an ear all have in common? Each was, at some point, responsible for starting a war. Join Ben and Noel as they dive into true stories of weird wars fought over cartoonishly dumb things.

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The FBI's Quest to Understand 'Louie, Louie'

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 17:22:00 +0000

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The Time a Soviet Premier Was Banned From Disneyland

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 16:56:46 +0000

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Kidnapping, Binge Drinking and Costumes: Voter Fraud in the 1800s

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 23:27:39 +0000

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Why don't Americans use bidets?

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 18:28:00 +0000

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The Earliest Recorded Mooning Killed Thousands

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 21:42:00 +0000

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The Presidential Reason Fido Became the Default Name for a Generic Dog

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 17:17:00 +0000

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Dock Ellis and the Legend of the LSD No-hitter

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 18:13:32 +0000

Almost 48 years ago, Pirates pitcher and notorious party animal Dock Ellis pitched a no-hitter while under the influence of LSD. How did this man accomplish one of the rarest feats in baseball history while, by his own admission, tripping balls? Join the guys as they dive into the story of that legendary afternoon, along with the parts of Dock's legacy that are too often forgotten in the modern day.

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Maryland’s State Song was a Diss Track

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:42:59 +0000

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The Story of Max, South Africa's Famous, Crime-fighting Gorilla

Thu, 31 May 2018 18:23:21 +0000

When confronted with a home invasion, Max the gorilla brought international fame to the Johannesburg Zoo and briefly became the city's most famous crime fighter. He received numerous endorsements, and a statue was erected in his honor. But what brought Max to this level of celebrity? Join Ben and Noel as they delve into the story of Max the crime-fighting gorilla and the disturbing cultural context that made South Africa regard him as a symbol of justice that too often eluded the average citizen.

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How Santa Anna Lost His Leg Twice, and Held a Funeral for It

Tue, 29 May 2018 22:48:08 +0000

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That Time Chewbacca Needed Bodyguards

Thu, 24 May 2018 10:00:00 +0000

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Napoleon Bonaparte Was Attacked by Bunnies -- And Lost

Tue, 22 May 2018 22:51:43 +0000

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California Was Named for a Fictional Island Ruled by a Black Amazon Queen

Thu, 17 May 2018 21:24:19 +0000

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Ancient Mayan Ritual Alcohol Enemas

Tue, 15 May 2018 15:55:17 +0000

Like many ancient cultures, the civilizations of Mesoamerica had a vast and rich history of unique cultural practices, spiritual beliefs and ceremonies, some of which may seem bizarre to people in the modern day. In this episode, Ben and Noel examine a common practice from ancient Mayan culture: the ritual alcohol enema.

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Vermont Was an Independent Republic

Thu, 10 May 2018 10:00:00 +0000

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The Capture of Guam Was Bloodless and Quick, All Due to a Misunderstanding

Tue, 08 May 2018 16:23:24 +0000

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Are all US Presidents actually related?

Thu, 03 May 2018 17:41:36 +0000

In 2012 a student in Salinas, California, startled genealogists when she claimed that all Presidents save one were actually related. Could it be true? Join Ben and Noel as they dive into this strange claim, separating fact from fiction while tackling what it means, exactly, to be related to someone. (It's all relative.)

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What's the deal with two-dollar bills?

Tue, 01 May 2018 17:43:39 +0000

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How James Bond Created a Mexican Dia de los Muertos Tradition

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 16:27:11 +0000

The Day of the Dead is a longstanding traditional celebration in Mexico, and currently hundreds of thousands of people associate it with a gigantic parade -- you know, like the one they saw in the James Bond film ''Spectre''. There's just one strange twist about that parade: before the movie, the procession didn't exist. Join Ben and Noel as they trace the weird evolution of this event from fiction to the real world.

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Did Richard Nixon Unwittingly Smuggle Drugs for Louis Armstrong?

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 17:11:55 +0000

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3 Times Society Refused to Accept New Books on Science

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 19:32:02 +0000

Progress versus preservation: It's one of the eternal dilemmas found throughout every instance of human civilization. Should we embrace disruptive thoughts and science that challenges our beliefs, or should we cling to the comfort of the status quo? Join Ben and Noel as they explore the tragic and inspiring stories of books that were banned not for racy, fictional scenes -- but for furthering our understanding of the universe and our place within it.

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That Time We Erased a (HUGE) Waterfall

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 19:47:11 +0000

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The Poetic Justice of Death by Molten Gold

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 17:32:42 +0000

It's a grisly death familiar to many fans of fiction and fantasy -- a hapless, greedy villain meets their end by having molten metal, often lead or gold, poured upon them or down their throats. But was this morbid means of execution ever used in real life? Join Ben and Noel as they dive into the deadly science of real-life murder by molten gold.

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Japan, Baseball and the Curse of the Colonel

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 18:50:00 +0000

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That Time the US Built a Flying Aircraft Carrier

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000

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Yes, Those Are Corpses in the Diorama

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 21:46:19 +0000

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is one of the most storied institutions of its kind in the United States, and it's chockful of priceless objects from across the span of history and the globe. However, investigators only recently discovered a grisly secret hidden within one of the dioramas. Join Ben and Noel as they explore the macabre secret of the Carnegie Museum.

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Weird People Who Built Weird Things

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 15:37:00 +0000

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What was the West Point Eggnog Riot?

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 18:54:48 +0000

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Lyndon Johnson Chatted on the Phone More than a Teenager

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 10:00:01 +0000

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When Germany Sacrificed Sausage For War

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 10:00:05 +0000

World War I was a devastating catastrophe, the likes of which the world had never before encountered. The chaos swept across Europe, and whether on the battlefield or at home no one was left untouched. Yet the war had another, unexpected casualty: the sausage industry. Join the guys as they explore how Germany's rush for air superiority deprived the average German citizen of one of the country's best-loved traditional foods.

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Arsenic: The Assassin's Dream Weapon

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 18:12:01 +0000

For centuries people from all walks of life sought to eliminate friends, strangers and enemies using the devious, subtle poison known as arsenic. Arsenic poisoning became such a well-known method of murder that people in Britain began calling it ''inheritance powder''. But what made it so popular? How did this particular substance become the stuff of history? Join Ben and Noel as they delve into the fascinating, morbid story of arsenic.

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The Killer Marketing Campaign Behind Guy Fawkes

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 15:26:45 +0000

Nowadays people across the planet are familiar with the story of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. People even celebrate the anniversary of the event, often interpreting it as a protest against overarching government authority. However, the real story is a bit more complicated. Some historians believe Fawkes and the crew he worked for were set up by factions of the government -- making the Gunpowder Plot something between a false flag attack and a killer marketing campaign.

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When Ancient India Beat Machiavelli to the Punch

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 11:00:03 +0000

Commonly regarded as one of humanity's premiere works on the art of pursuing and securing power, Niccolò Machiavelli's book ''The Prince'' has become so popular that the name of its author is synonymous with unethical behavior in the modern day. However, it turns out that Machiavelli himself wasn't the first proponent of ruthless behavior -- the author (or authors) of ancient India's Arthashastra outlined incredibly similar strategies almost 2,000 years before the publication of Machiavelli's masterpiece.

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The Rise of Harvey Wiley's Poison Squad

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 17:20:41 +0000

Nowadays U.S. grocery shoppers can be reasonably certain that the foods they purchase are safe (if not healthy). But this wasn't always the case. In fact, if it wasn't for one extremely driven, imperfect man on a mission to clean up America's food industry we might well still have rampant contamination in the grocery aisles today. Harvey Wiley didn't think it was enough to conduct conventional safety studies, either -- he jumped straight to human experimentation. Join the guys as they delve into the strange story of Harvey Wiley and the Poison Squad.

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Step Aside, James Bond: The Strange Stories of Espionage Animals

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 11:00:03 +0000

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How MLK influenced Star Trek

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 11:00:03 +0000

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What was the 'Great Stink' of London?

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 17:47:44 +0000

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How Farmers Built A Barbed Wire Phone Network

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 01:05:23 +0000

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The Strange Story of Canadian Margarine Bootleggers

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 11:00:03 +0000

Today, most grocery stores carry a variety of margarine and butter brands -- but this wasn't always the case. In fact, both Canada and the United States once had bizarre laws banning the production or importation of margarine. So what launched the margarine bootlegging industry? Join the guys as they explore the startling, strange story of the Big Butter versus margarine and its ''kindred abominations''.

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When People Waged War Over Eggs

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 11:00:04 +0000

How much would you pay for an egg? Would you kill for one? Join the guys as they explore the strange story of the Gold Rush, the Common Murre and Farallon Island -- the site of California's Egg War

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The Wild West Was Actually Pretty Chill

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 20:05:01 +0000

If you're like most people, the phrase ''Wild West'' conjures images of brutal gunfights in dusty, tumbleweed-ridden streets, visions of criminals slinking into the shadows of dimly-lit saloons and the vast stretch of lawless, unforgiving frontier. But how much of that image is actually true? Join Ben and Noel as they delve into the myth of the American frontier to discover how wild -- or mild -- it actually was.

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How A Grudge Match Launched the Ford GT40

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 11:00:05 +0000

Today the Ford GT40 is one of the world's most iconic vehicles -- but this award winning automotive beast is, it turns out, the result of a serious grudge match. Join the guys as they delve into the strange, spiteful history of the Ford GT40.

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Vitamin Donuts Were A Real Thing

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 11:00:02 +0000

Donuts: they're sweet, delectable and dangerous. Nowadays they're best known as a sugary snack or a nice accompaniment to a cup of coffee, but this wasn't always the case. In fact, for a few years manufacturers tried to sell them as -- believe it or not -- a health food. Join the guys as they explore the strange rise and fall of the infamous vitamin donut.

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The Rotten, Sausagey Secret Origin of Botox

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 18:56:25 +0000

Today botox is one of the world's most well-known wrinkle treatments, as well as a go-to joke in the realm of pop culture. But where did this treatment come from, and what on Earth does it have to do with sausage? Join Ben and Noel as they trace the origins of botox to one man's unending obsession with food safety and rotting pork.

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The Weird World of Meat Jell-O (Gelatin Origin Story)

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 22:55:07 +0000

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London Made a Train for the Dead

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 17:41:08 +0000

When London was in the grips of a cholera epidemic, the already-overfilled cemetaries couldn't handle the extra bodies. So when there's literally no room in the soil for another dead body, what's a city to do? To the creators of the London Necropolis Railway, the answer was simple -- build a train for the dead.

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Roald Dahl: Children's Author and Secret Agent

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 23:23:34 +0000

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When did ALL-CAPS type become YELLING?

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 21:18:47 +0000

You've seen them before, whether in a forwarded spam email, a strangely passionate Facebook post or a weirdly emphatic comment on your favorite website: THE DREADED ALL-CAPS TYPER. But where does this practice come from? How did everyone agree that typing in ALL CAPS means you're yelling at someone via text? Tune in to... FIND OUT.

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Why does the Guinness Beer Company Track World Records?

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 11:00:03 +0000

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Digging Up James K Polk (For the Third Time)

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 16:38:56 +0000

The average American may not hear much about James K Polk in school today, but during his time in office the 11th U.S. President was responsible for a number of tremendously significant policy movements. Today he and his wife are interred in the Tennessee State Capitol, but this was neither their first resting place nor, if certain lawmakers succeed, their last. So why do people keep digging up this President's remains? Join Ben and Noel to learn more about the posthumous journey of President Polk.

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Presidents Love Their Ridiculous Pets

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 11:00:02 +0000

It's no secret that, until very recently, US Presidents were known as huge fans of pets -- and they didn't limit themselves to cats and dogs! Join Ben and Noel as they explore some of the strangest pets in presidential history, from warhorses and cows to bears, raccoons and much, much more.

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The Atomic Whoops: When the US Air Force Bombed South Carolina

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 11:00:01 +0000

During the height of the Cold War, both the US and the USSR constantly ran drills in anticipation of a possible nuclear conflict. While the Gregg family of Mars Bluff, South Carolina knew the Cold War was in full swing, they had no idea that they would become the first American family bombed -- accidentally -- by the US Air Force. Join Ben and Noel as they explore one of the most bizarre atomic slip-ups in history.

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Waging War With Hallucinogenic Honey

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 11:00:01 +0000

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Ben Franklin Tried To Reinvent the Alphabet

Tue, 26 Dec 2017 11:00:02 +0000

For such a popular, well-known language, English is full of strange, seemingly arbitrary rules. Most people just accept these various idiosyncracies... but Benjamin Franklin was not most people. Tune in as Ben and Noel explore Franklin's strange quest to revise the English language by cutting out old letters (and inventing new ones).

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The Strange History of Antarctic Fruitcake

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 11:00:03 +0000

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When the Puritans Canceled Christmas

Tue, 19 Dec 2017 11:00:02 +0000

Nowadays Christmas is a globally-recognized holiday celebrated by millions of people, but in the past this wasn't the case. In fact, some groups of Christians detested the holiday, going so far as to ban it completely. So what led Puritans to ban one of the most prominent celebrations in the Christian faith? Join Ben and Noel as they take a closer look at the strange story of Puritans and Christmas.

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Baguettes and Vacation: France versus Bakers

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 11:00:01 +0000

You've probably heard that France takes its bread seriously -- but did you know France had specific laws governing the lives of bakers? For centuries the country regulated how and when bakers could close or take vacation. Although this may sound amusing now, in the past it was a deadly serious issue. So what happened? What happened to make the French government so frightfully concerned about bakers taking time off?

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What's the deal with smashing cake at weddings?

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 11:00:03 +0000

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Conquest via Bird Poop: One Island at a Time

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 11:00:04 +0000

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When Scientists Hid Under Beds To Spy On Kids

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 11:00:04 +0000

Let's say you're a scientist -- how far would you go to carry out a study? Back in the 1930s, two intrepid researchers went into full spy mode, stalking college students in an effort to determine how they behaved when they didn't know they were being observed. Join Ben and Noel as they explore the strange, ridiculous and, at times, disturbing history of informed consent.

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When People Thought They Were Made of Glass

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 11:00:03 +0000

In 1422, King Charles VI died after ruling France for more than 40 years. He was also remembered as Charles the Mad, in part because he was convinced that his body was made of glass and would shatter upon contact with other people. This condition, known as the glass delusion, would continue to pop up through medieval Europe until the late 19th century, seemingly disappearing in the modern day.

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Nazis, Churchill and Chocolate

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 11:00:03 +0000

When Lord Victor Rothschild first heard the news, he was incredulous -- surely Nazi Germany wasn't seriously planning to assassinate Winston Churchill with an exploding chocolate bar. However, Rothschild learned the intelligence reports were solid and was forced to take action before the Prime Minister fell victim to a literal death by chocolate.

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When (and why) did the US start calling its citizens consumers?

Thu, 23 Nov 2017 11:00:03 +0000

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Does the US Confederacy still exist in Americana, Brazil?

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 11:00:02 +0000

At the close the US Civil War, tens of thousands of former Confederate families fled the US for a small city in Brazil, where they sought to continue living as they had in the days before the war. Tune in to learn more about the strange history of Americana, Brazil.

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Did a real-life rainmaker almost drown San Diego?

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 11:00:04 +0000

Charles Mallory Hatfield considered himself a real-life rainmaker (or, as he preferred to describe himself, a 'moisture accelerator') and, when San Diego faced one of its most damaging droughts, Hatfield cracked a deal: He'd bring the water back to San Diego. City officials were skeptical, but desperate -- and, as ridiculous as it might sound -- they got more than they bargained for.

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X-Rays, Songs and Soviets: The Stilyagi Story

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 11:00:02 +0000

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Who solves murders in Antarctica?

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 11:00:04 +0000

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How White America Tried to Destroy Chinese Restaurants

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 11:00:00 +0000

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Butter: Protestantism's Secret Ingredient?

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 10:00:04 +0000

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Wharram Percy Versus The Undead

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 10:00:01 +0000

Humanity has always had a fascination with -- and fear of -- the dead. And when the small medieval village of Wharram Percy felt they might become victims of the undead, they took drastic, grisly action, committing an atrocity that would not be uncovered until the modern day.

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Why do British lawyers wear wigs?

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 10:00:04 +0000

For centuries some lawyers and judges in the U.K. have worn distinctive wigs during court proceedings. But why? Join Ben and Noel as they explore the strange history of the peruke.

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The Wild Hippos of Pablo Escobar

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 10:00:04 +0000

When notorious drug kingpin Pable Escobar died, he left behind a legacy of brutal crime, opulent living and, oddly enough, four hippos. Fast forward to the modern day, and experts estimate as many as 50 hippopotamuses may roam free in the lands around Escobar's old estate. So what happens when these 4.5 ton animals decide to make themselves at home in Colombia?

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Ridiculous History: Episode Zero

Fri, 20 Oct 2017 10:00:05 +0000

History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by HowStuffWorks. Here's a preview of our upcoming episode "Butter: Protestantism's Secret Ingredient?"

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Ridiculous History: Trailer

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 18:06:00 +0000

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