Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

Get ready for a whirlwind of strange news! The looming credit card merger has financial implications you won't want to miss. Delve into bizarre wildlife piracy with Belgian teens smuggling ants in Kenya. Unearth the chilling secrets of a death cult stirring fear in local communities. Discover the complex web connecting fentanyl trafficking, casinos, and international crime. Plus, explore how disinformation shapes our understanding of space travel and pop culture, featuring commentary on celebrity influences. It's a captivating mix of the bizarre and the urgent!

Listeners delve into the controversial world of shock incarceration, an alternative to traditional imprisonment that draws on military-style discipline. The hosts discuss its roots in sensationalized TV and youth reform, highlighting the mixed results and ethical issues surrounding these programs. From legal complications to alarming recidivism statistics, the conversation reveals the harsh realities faced by participants. As they examine societal impacts and legislative updates, the complexities and flaws of this punitive approach come to light, sparking a much-needed debate.

Privacy Guy continues the conversation about encryption and state-level powers. Art Vandelay notes recent issues with tariffs and supply chains. Multiple Conspiracy Realists follow up with Ben and the gang on the actions of an insurance-adjacent business called Evicore. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.They 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.

Discover the intriguing world of sleeper spies, where families infiltrate societies for decades, gathering intelligence. Explore the contrast between thrilling spy fiction and the gritty realities of espionage. Delve into Operation Ghost Stories, a real case that highlights ethical dilemmas and identity complexities. Enjoy a humorous critique of iconic spy portrayals, while reflecting on the social impact of fear-driven politics. Plus, engage with amusing anecdotes from musicals to everyday espionage tactics, ensuring a captivating experience.

It's one of the most enduring enigmas in American history -- how did an entire colony disappear from Roanoke island? Join the guys as they explore the facts, fiction and speculation surrounding the mysterious fate of the colonists, the clues they may have left behind and the search that continues in the modern day.They 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.

Tensions rise as U.S. courts challenge government actions on the extradition of innocents. A wannabe influencer faces dire consequences for attempting to reach out to the isolated Sentinelese tribe. Meanwhile, disturbing allegations of cyber voyeurism emerge against a Maryland pharmacist, exposing critical privacy issues. The podcast also humorously tackles the ridiculousness of astronaut waste management and probes into the ethics of deporting citizens labeled as violent criminals. Dive into these strange tales and more!

Join Justin Richmond, host of the Broken Record podcast and music aficionado, as he dives into a live exploration of sound's mysteries. They tackle the science behind sound waves and discuss bizarre phenomena like the 'bloop' and 'the hum'. Delving into the connection between infrasound and ghostly encounters grabs attention, while the potential weaponization of sound raises ethical questions. With humor and wit, the conversation intertwines audio conspiracy theories and personal stories, all amidst the vibrant backdrop of Brooklyn's National Sawdust.

Born in 1940, Samuel Little was known in multiple states as a drifter, petty criminal and man occasionally capable of violence. Like many people living on the fringe of society, he seemed to slip through the fingers of justice despite numerous arrests. Yet intrepid investigators and improvements in DNA testing eventually proved Little was more than an itinerant drug addict and shoplifter -- according to the FBI, he is the most prolific serial killer in US history.They 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.

Harold Holt, Australia’s popular prime minister, vanished while swimming in 1967, leaving behind a swirling mystery. The hosts delve into the bizarre conspiracy theories surrounding his disappearance. They share personal anecdotes and historical insights, weaving humor into the serious narrative of his unexplained fate. The discussions touch on the treacherous conditions of Cheviot Beach and how Holt's legacy was impacted by his sudden absence. Listeners are invited to explore their own theories in this captivating exploration of an unsolved enigma.

Dive into the unsettling truths behind the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, revealing a stark contrast between government narratives and the harsh realities on the ground. Explore the tumultuous history of Afghanistan, from its monarchical past through the chaos of conflict, and how powerful actors shaped its fate. Uncover the ramifications of U.S. intelligence failures and the misinformation surrounding the war, along with its profound human costs. Insights from the Afghanistan Papers shine a light on corruption, lost objectives, and the complex legacy of this prolonged conflict.