Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

The history of human civilization is, in many ways, a history of conflict. Empires rise and fall, countries come and go, and humanity soldiers on. Yet multiple investigations have found a troubling correlation -- it seems not all revolutions are the result of social instability or external rivals. In fact, the natural world itself may be one of history's most powerful (and dangerous) revolutionaries. Listen in to learn more about natural disaster and revolution -- and what this may mean for a world where natural disasters continue to increase. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comThey don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could the pineal gland really have some sort of spiritual significance? What does it do, exactly, and why do so many people believe there's some sort of conspiracy to alter its function? Tune in as Ben and Matt explore the fact and fiction surrounding the pineal gland. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comThey don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Burundian President Pierre Buyoya received a life sentence in court for the murder of another former President: Melchior Ndadaye. A recent study confirms the issues discussed in the previous COVID series, showing worldwide trends regarding fears and misconceptions about infection. A bizarre invasive species of mutated, clonal, entirely female crayfish have been expanding across Europe -- one graveyard in Antwerp claims they've already lost the battle to this creature that sounds like something straight out of a comic book. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comThey don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world's most powerful has numerous policies regarding equality -- but how do the policies on paper translate to action? In today's episode, the gang dives into the all-too-often unexplored, ongoing conspiracy taking place within the US Armed Forces: Supremacists and separatists are infiltrating the military, often with the active goal of later using their training and expertise to wage war against the very nation they were sworn to protect. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comThey don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple listeners reach out to share their experiences in the 'troubled teen' industry. The guys explore the fascinating -- and terrifying -- possibility of solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Ongoing massive protests in Nigeria prompt a conversation about whether lasting reform is possible. All this and more in this week's edition of Listener Mail. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comThey don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's bizarre to think that -- not too long ago -- the idea of having something as powerful as a smart phone in your pocket would seem like something out of Star Trek. But now these handy devices go with us throughout most of our lives. A steady stream of feel-good chemicals from social media, dangerously convenient ways of buying things through apps, health and location tracking and more. And every piece of data is, somehow, tracked. While it's no secret that companies use information like this for targeted advertising, the true potential of this data aggregation, and the true danger this aggregation poses for society, has only recently come to light. Join the guys to learn more about what happens in a world where you become your phone. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comThey don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You're probably familiar with the horror film version of exorcisms: a righteous priest reciting holy verses as a demon-possessed person writhes and exhibits unholy powers. But what are exorcisms, really? How do they function across cultures? Is there any proof that they're real? Join Ben and Matt to find out in this week's Classic episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comThey don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple high-level government officials believed Garrison Courtney was a CIA officer offering them fat cat contracts -- by the time the FBI caught up with him, he was on the verge of getting billions -- and getting full immunity, as well. Rapper Nuke Bizzle was arrested on multiple counts of identity fraud... after explicitly bragging about his crimes in a music video. On the border of Mexico and the US, a small group of farmers may have just provided the spark to the world's next water war. All this and more in this week's Strange News segment. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comThey don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many members does the Church of Scientology actually have? What are they doing in Clearwater, Florida? Perhaps most importantly, what is the future of Scientology? Join the guys as they continue their interview with Mike Rinder, creator and cohost of Scientology: Fair Game, in the second part of this two-part series. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comThey don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What actually happened to the Great Library of Alexandria, and how would the world be different if it hadn't disappeared? What made an anonymous tourist return pilfered objects to Pompeii? How are con artists, corporations and governments hacking your voice? All this and more in this week's Listener Mail. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comThey don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.