Stuff You Should Know

The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles

Apr 12, 2022
Discover the bizarre world of Toynbee Tiles hidden in the streets of Philadelphia. These cryptic messages spark theories ranging from artistic expression to darker themes like resurrection. Delve into the elusive identity of their creator and the investigative journeys undertaken to uncover their origins. The discussion intertwines fascinating documentaries and personal stories, exploring the psychological motivations behind these urban enigmas. Join a journey filled with mystery, curiosity, and the intersections of art and storytelling.
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ANECDOTE

Moonwalk Interlude

  • Chuck Bryant forgets who suggested the podcast topic, forcing Josh Clark to improvise.
  • Clark recounts an on-stage moment where he had to entertain the audience while Bryant used the restroom.
INSIGHT

A Solved Mystery

  • The Toynbee Tiles mystery would have been more intriguing 10 years prior, before it was largely solved.
  • The mystery is still interesting despite being mostly solved.
INSIGHT

Toynbee Tiles Explained

  • Toynbee Tiles are license-plate-sized messages embedded in asphalt, primarily in Philadelphia but also across the Northeast and even South America.
  • The tiles contain bizarre messages, including references to Arnold Toynbee, Stanley Kubrick's 2001, resurrecting the dead, and planet Jupiter.
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