Stuff You Should Know

In July 1966, three women disappeared while enjoying a day at the beach, leaving behind a mystery that haunts the Indiana Dunes. Eyewitness accounts, disappearances of personal items, and delayed search efforts fueled speculation and theories. Some believe their ties to a criminal horse stable may explain their fate, while others suspect a staged disappearance. Various leads and sightings, including a distinctive boat, added to the intrigue. Despite years of searching, the case remains unsolved, igniting theories about drowning, abduction, or even foul play.

Discover the audacious 1963 Great Train Robbery, where a gang of 15 masterminds captured the public's imagination. Learn about the meticulous planning, including an insider known as 'Ulster Man' who played a key role. The heist involved tampering with train signals and securing a staggering £2.6 million. Delve into the aftermath, including the capture at Leather Slade Farm and the controversial trials that followed. Explore the legacy of Ronald Biggs, who became a folk hero while evading capture in Brazil.

Take a humorous journey through the legacy of The Far Side and how it shaped modern comedy. Discover what makes single-panel cartoons so unique and the brilliance behind Larson's iconic panels. Explore his rise from local gigs to syndication with fascinating reactions to his work. Delve into quirky fears and the infamous Cow Tools controversy. Learn about the scientific community's love for Larson and his life post-fame, along with his thoughtful retirement. Join in honoring the comedic genius who transformed cartoon history.

Explore the deadly world of the death cap mushroom, infamous for its lethal effects and a 10–15% fatality rate. Discover the chilling details of a 2016 outbreak in San Francisco that left lasting harm. Learn how this sinister fungus thrives through symbiosis with trees and entered North America via imported species. Delve into the toxins that target the liver and understand their dangerous mechanisms. Plus, get essential safety tips for mushroom foraging to avoid this perilous predator!

Sound effects add a layer of realism to movies and shows, often unnoticed yet crucial. Discover the fascinating history of Foley work, tracing its roots from vaudeville to modern filmmaking. Learn about the iconic Jack Foley, the man behind the craft, and the clever techniques that elevate sound design, from famous movies to nature documentaries. Delve into the world of iconic sound effects like the Wilhelm scream and how they shape audiences' experiences.

Explore the fascinating world of slime molds, those strange organisms that resemble piles of goo. Discover their unique classification as protists and their vital ecological roles. Learn about their altruistic behavior and complex life cycles, including how they form aggregates and search for food. Be amazed by experiments that showcase their problem-solving skills, like navigating mazes and mimicking Tokyo's rail systems. Dive into their learning mechanisms and the potential applications of their algorithms for urban planning!

Explore the shocking history of the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiments, a dark chapter of unethical medical research. Learn how participants were misled and denied treatment while subjected to painful procedures. Discover the rising objections that ultimately led to exposure and reform. Reflect on the human toll and the lasting distrust it created within Black communities. This poignant discussion sheds light on the importance of ethical standards in research.

Exploring the peculiar world of handling dead bodies, the hosts dive into the legal complexities and societal norms surrounding death with humor. They delve into the tragic irony found in film narratives, notably the backstory of a character from 'Magnolia.' A fictional tale about Ronald Opus raises questions about death's definitions in law. The bizarre legal case of Chareau and Wilkins reveals the murky waters of intent and guilt, while discussions on attempted murder highlight the critical need for careful situational assessment.

Delve into the bizarre history of the Four Pests Campaign in communist China that aimed to eradicate sparrows, alongside rats and mosquitoes. Discover how this initiative led to ecological disasters and contributed to famine due to misguided political strategies. The humorous anecdotes enrich discussions on the campaign’s serious consequences and the disconnect from reality. Learn about modern genetic solutions for pest control and the humor in misunderstanding cultural references, all while reflecting on the intriguing complexities of human intervention in nature.

Discover the quirky world of subpoenas, exploring their purpose and the challenges of compliance. The hosts mix humor with insight as they discuss notable historical defiance and the intriguing intersection with political figures. Learn how congressional subpoenas differ from judicial ones, and dive into landmark cases that shaped executive privilege, including key moments from U.S. history. This blend of legal intrigue and lighthearted anecdotes ensures you won’t look at subpoenas the same way again!