

119 - The Past Times with Ronny Chieng
Apr 4, 2025
Ronny Chieng, a comedian and actor known for his work on The Daily Show, joins for a hilarious dive into the absurdities of history. The conversation kicks off with playful banter about vintage newspapers and the quirks of self-promotion in entertainment. They discuss the fascinating life of a centenarian, the bizarre history of lobsters as a food trend, and the surprising role of bicycles in war. The episode is filled with sharp humor, whimsical stories, and critiques of societal norms, making history entertainingly relatable.
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Newspaper Year Guessing Game
- The hosts and Ronny Chieng guess the year of the newspaper.
- Ronny wins with a guess of 1930, the actual year being 1900.
Centenarian Phoebe Hunt
- The newspaper mentions Phoebe Hunt, who turned 100 years old.
- She's the only centenarian in the area, likely the state.
Life Expectancy Then vs Now
- Living to 100 in 1900 was rare, suggesting shorter lifespans.
- The hosts discuss how different life must have been for someone who lived from 1800-1900.