Join a lively discussion about Elizabeth Taylor's early fame and a charming horse bond. Discover the quirky rituals of mini-golf, including the amusing practice of refrigerating golf balls for better play. Dive into the dark allure of the Jack the Ripper mystery, exploring overlooked victims and sensationalist portrayals. Enjoy fun facts about M&M's marketing, including the creation of the green character and amusing candy lore. Plus, tips for boosting holiday savings make for a whimsical wrap-up!
The festive return of the McRib symbolizes holiday joy, while exclusive podcast merchandise offers fans unique gifts beyond just listening.
Elizabeth Taylor's childhood role in 'National Velvet' reflects both studio pressures and her bravery in a life-saving incident with Montgomery Clift.
Discussion on mini-golf reveals competitors refrigerate their golf balls to optimize performance, highlighting the sport's evolution into a serious competition.
Deep dives
Holiday Cheer and Merchandise Launch
The festive atmosphere is highlighted with the return of the McRib, signaling a time for celebrations, parties, and holiday spirit. Alongside food, merchandise related to the podcast is available, including exclusive Thunder Nerd t-shirts and beanies, along with a tour book that documents the podcast's journey and features behind-the-scenes content like QR codes for secret videos and audio commentary. The merchandise aims to connect with fans during the holiday season, allowing for timely gift purchasing. Those unable to attend the live events in Australia or New Zealand can still access the products through a dedicated link on the website.
Notable Historical Facts from the Podcast Hosts
The hosts share intriguing facts from the past week, starting with a revelation about Elizabeth Taylor's childhood role in the Oscar-winning film 'National Velvet,' which was delayed to allow her time to grow taller. Interesting anecdotes about her life include her relationship with horses, her physical traits, and the unusual demands she faced from the studio to secure her casting. An unlikely detail shared is about how she saved a fellow actor, Montgomery Clift, during a car accident by removing his teeth that were obstructing his airway, showcasing her bravery. These personal stories provide a unique glimpse into the complexities of Taylor's early career in showbiz.
Jack the Ripper Investigation Insights
A discussion delves into the infamous unsolved Jack the Ripper case, emphasizing the role of Sergeant Thick, who made a notable arrest without sufficient evidence. The podcast also humanizes the victims, shedding light on their lives and the media depiction during the time, drawing attention to the biased narrative surrounding them. The hosts suggest that many theories about the killer's identity stem from sensationalized reporting rather than factual evidence. There's mention of a new theory proposing that the murders were not committed by a singular killer but rather a series of copycat crimes influenced by media reporting.
The Culture of Mini-Golf in Germany
The podcast shares quirky insights into mini-golf in Germany, where competitors refrigerate their golf balls to maintain optimal performance. Contrary to popular belief, mini-golf differs from crazy golf; it emphasizes skill without gimmicks. The unique lengths players go to ensure competitive integrity, like temperature control for their balls, highlights the seriousness of the sport. Anecdotes about professional and amateur players treating mini-golf with precision underscore its evolution into a respected competitive event.
The Strategic Marketing of M&Ms
The podcast discusses the marketing strategy behind M&Ms, focusing particularly on the green character, which was designed to evoke a perception of sexiness tied to schoolyard myths regarding its aphrodisiac properties. This branding approach contrasts with the unintentional controversies that arose with character redesigns and societal perceptions of gender roles. The conversation highlights how these fictional candy characters have endured cultural changes while maintaining their iconic status. The origins of M&Ms, linked to the merging of two iconic companies during the Spanish Civil War, further demonstrates the intersection of historical events and popular consumer culture.