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The Tangled History of Topiary, Part One: The Ancient Art of Fancy Plants
24 oktober 2023 · 31 min
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). Lees meer
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Scientists Who Were Horrifically Persecuted, Part One
20 oktober 2023 · 53 min
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. Lees meer
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The Crappy, Commodious History of Toilets
18 oktober 2023 · 48 min
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. Lees meer
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Aaron Burr, Part Two: The Fall of a Guy Nobody Liked
12 oktober 2023 · 46 min
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. Lees meer
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Aaron Burr, Part One: The Rise of a Guy Nobody Liked
10 oktober 2023 · 43 min
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. Lees meer
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Introducing: McCartney A Life in Lyrics
6 oktober 2023 · 8 min
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! Lees meer
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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Royals Who Died on the Toilet: Our Classiest Episode Yet
5 oktober 2023 · 35 min
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. Lees meer
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That Time Indiana Tried to Change Pi
3 oktober 2023 · 41 min
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. Lees meer
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Why Don't People Wear White After Labor Day?
28 september 2023 · 30 min
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. Lees meer
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Michigan Has Its Own Bermuda Triangle
26 september 2023 · 46 min
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. Lees meer
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The Road to Modern Basketball, Part Two: How Dribbling Became A Thing
21 september 2023 · 50 min
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." Lees meer
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The Road to Modern Basketball, Part One: Naismith and "The Incorrigibles"
19 september 2023 · 40 min
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. Lees meer
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The 10th President's Grandson is Alive Today
15 september 2023 · 38 min
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. Lees meer
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Stuff That Got Left Over: Nukes
12 september 2023 · 34 min
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. Lees meer
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Ralph Nader Versus Big Auto
8 september 2023 · 44 min
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. Lees meer
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CLASSIC: Baguettes and Vacation: France versus Bakers
5 september 2023 · 25 min
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. Lees meer
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Everyone Was Covered in Poop: A Grimy History of Soap
31 augustus 2023 · 45 min
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. Lees meer
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Behind the Logo: The Story of the Nike Swoosh
30 augustus 2023 · 37 min
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. Lees meer
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The Architecture of Spite, Part Three: The Pie House and a Scorned Argentine
24 augustus 2023 · 40 min
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. Lees meer
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The Architecture of Spite, Part Two: Macy's and The Skinny House
22 augustus 2023 · 34 min
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. Lees meer
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The Ridiculous History of Intellectual Property, Part 2: When Things Get Weird
17 augustus 2023 · 45 min
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. Lees meer
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The Ridiculous History of Intellectual Property, Part 1: The Ancient Past
15 augustus 2023 · 39 min
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. Lees meer
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World War II's Alaskan Front: The Aleutian Island Campaign
10 augustus 2023 · 47 min
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. Lees meer
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Micronations: The Amazing Story of Vatican City
8 augustus 2023 · 49 min
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. Lees meer
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The FBI versus Hip-Hop
3 augustus 2023 · 49 min
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. Lees meer
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The Inventor of the Saxophone Had Some of the World's Worst Luck
2 augustus 2023 · 54 min
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. Lees meer
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Animals On Trial, Part 2: Legal Personhood "Goes Wild"
27 juli 2023 · 42 min
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. Lees meer
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Animals On Trial, Part 1: Tons of Animals Went to Kangaroo Courts
25 juli 2023 · 50 min
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. Lees meer
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Broken Arrows, Part 2: In Which Actions Have Consequence
20 juli 2023 · 50 min
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, Lees meer
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Broken Arrows, Part 1: Whoops, Where's Our Nuke?
18 juli 2023 · 39 min
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. Lees meer
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New Providence: That Time Pirates Had A Government
13 juli 2023 · 57 min
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? Lees meer
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Tons of People Married Their First Cousins
11 juli 2023 · 51 min
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. Lees meer
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Lost Media, Part 2: The Magnificent Ambersons
6 juli 2023 · 39 min
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. Lees meer
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The Ridiculous History of "Snake Oil"
4 juli 2023 · 52 min
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. Lees meer
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Badass of the Week, Part 2: Rise of the Kung Fu Werewolf
29 juni 2023 · 41 min
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. Lees meer
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Badass of the Week, Part 1: An Origin Story
27 juni 2023 · 33 min
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. Lees meer
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That Time Abe Lincoln Trolled His Way Into a Real-life Duel
22 juni 2023 · 36 min
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. Lees meer
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The Creation of (and Backlash Against) Father's Day
20 juni 2023 · 41 min
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. Lees meer
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Colorado's Ridiculous, Disturbingly Corrupt 1904 Election, Part Two: Everyone Resigns
15 juni 2023 · 36 min
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. Lees meer
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Colorado's Ridiculous, Disturbingly Corrupt 1904 Election, Part One: Let's Jump Off The Train
13 juni 2023 · 38 min
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. Lees meer
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How Horrible Chocolate Helped Win World War II
8 juni 2023 · 31 min
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. Lees meer
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Micronations: How a Guy Got Ran Out of Town and Created San Marino
6 juni 2023 · 44 min
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. Lees meer
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The Library of Congress is Full of Super Weird Stuff
1 juni 2023 · 37 min
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. Lees meer
(03:58) Library of Congress
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That Time A Guy Literally Bought The London Bridge
30 mei 2023 · 40 min
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. Lees meer
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We Got Super Into Toy Cars, Part Two: Rivalry and Nostalgia
25 mei 2023 · 30 min
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. Lees meer
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We Got Super Into Toy Cars, Part One: Matchbox versus Hot Wheels
23 mei 2023 · 43 min
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. Lees meer
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Why The Creator of Mother's Day Got So Mad About Mothers' Day
19 mei 2023 · 32 min
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. Lees meer
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Micronations: Monaco is More than a Casino!
16 mei 2023 · 55 min
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. Lees meer
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Fonts They Love to Hate, Part Two: Papyrus, Times New Roman and Beyond
11 mei 2023 · 47 min
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. Lees meer
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Fonts They Love to Hate, Part One: Origins of Comic Sans
9 mei 2023 · 34 min
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. Lees meer
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