Stuff You Should Know

Join Josh and Chuck in a spine-tingling exploration of two eerie tales for Halloween. Delve into E.F. Benson's "Caterpillars," where a man's eerie discovery of crab-like creatures spirals into horror. Then, unravel the mystery of "The Deep Drowse," where a couple trapped in their oxygen-sealed cave confronts a terrifying silence and the chilling fate of humanity. With atmospheric storytelling and unexpected twists, this Spooktacular will leave you on the edge of your seat!

Dive into the chilling tale of the Bell family, haunted by a malevolent spirit in 1817 Tennessee. From eerie encounters with a dog-headed creature to the witch's haunting voice, the spooky saga intensifies. Witness the witch's torment of poor John Bell and the disruption of his daughter Betsy's engagement. Explore community responses and the intriguing theories surrounding local figure Kate Batts. Today, visitors can still explore the legend through tours and attractions, keeping the haunting alive!

Dive into the chilling world of a horror masterpiece that defies expectations! Discover how influences like Ed Gein shaped its creation and the unique casting decisions made under a tight budget. Learn why John Larroquette's narration and the infamous dinner scene haunt viewers. Explore the film's raw shoot conditions, the unsettling embodiment of Leatherface by Gunnar Hansen, and the tricky distribution journey post-release. With a legacy that redefined horror, this iconic film remains unreplicable and celebrated each Halloween!

In 2005, a woman found a human finger in her chili at Wendy's, sparking a media frenzy and a criminal investigation. The hosts dive into the absurdity of the situation, detailing how Wendy's managed the chaos while launching their own inquiry. As suspicions about the woman's past lawsuits grew, the investigation uncovered the bizarre journey of the finger from an accident site to the chili. Ultimately, the hosts discuss the fallout from the case, including the convictions and the company's losses, revealing a wild tale of fraud and deception.

Ever wondered about the science behind screams? Dive into the fascinating world of human and animal screams, exploring reasons from evolutionary benefits to newborn communication. Discover how our brains react to screams and why specific sounds trigger fear responses. Learn about different types of screams, from joy to pain, and their roles in society. Plus, hear about famous movie screams and how vocal techniques can keep singers safe. Can screaming relieve pain? The hosts discuss the potential benefits and even touch on primal scream therapy's effectiveness.

Ever wondered why breaking a mirror is thought to bring seven years of bad luck? This podcast dives into the origins of this superstition, tracing it back to Narcissus and Roman beliefs about vanity. Discover why a shattered mirror is thought to damage the soul and the fascinating connection to Roman life cycles. Plus, learn about quirky customs for ridding yourself of bad luck and cultural variations in glass-breaking beliefs. Even the practice of covering mirrors after death is explored, revealing intriguing fears and rituals surrounding reflections.

Dive into the geological mystery of the Younger Dryas, a period marked by a sudden return to near-ice-age conditions. Discover how this cooling disrupted early agriculture and human migrations. Learn how scientists unravel the past using ice cores and lake sediments. Explore theories like the meltwater shutdown of ocean circulation and the intriguing impact hypothesis involving comets. Uncover alternative causes such as supernovae and volcanism, and see how this climate shift paved the way for the Holocene and the rise of civilization.

Diving into the mysterious realm of ESP, the hosts explore its various categories like telepathy and clairvoyance. They unpack early scientific studies, highlighting J.B. Rhine’s experiments with Zener cards and the issues that plagued their credibility. The discussion shifts to modern tests, including random number generators, and the controversial Ganzfeld protocol for telepathy. Skepticism abounds as they dissect the need for extraordinary evidence and the debate surrounding reproducibility in parapsychology, contrasting genuine research with stage psychic tricks.

Dive into the world of VH1, the mellow counterpart to MTV, and discover its strategic launch to attract an older audience. Hear about the rise of iconic VJs and standout programs like Pop-Up Video and Storytellers that shaped its personality. Delve into the reality TV revolution with hits such as Flavor of Love, and the channel’s influence on Black-focused content. The conversation also explores the ethical concerns surrounding shows like Celebrity Rehab and VH1's evolution post-scandal, all while maintaining a playful tone.

Discover the eerie tradition of corpse walking in Hunan, China, where Taoist priests would reanimate corpses to guide them home for burial. Uncover the origins of this spooky practice dating back to the Qing dynasty and its decline under Mao. Learn about the nighttime processions filled with superstitions, black cats providing static electricity, and eyewitness accounts of the chilling scenes. Explore the clever ways the priests staged the act to create the illusion of walking corpses, blending history with an uncanny touch.