Profiles In Eccentricity

Dive into the fascinating life of Timothy Leary, once dubbed 'the most dangerous man in America.' Discover his transformation from a conservative upbringing to a psychedelic pioneer. Explore the chaotic 60s, where life at Millbrook and the phrase 'turn on, tune in, drop out' reshaped culture. Hear about the humorous misadventures in drug culture and the controversial prison experiments with psychedelics. Unravel the impact of consciousness expansion on society and the colorful interplay between art, rebellion, and mental health.

Matt delivers a maniacal portrait of a woman who left the Catholic church in Spain in the 16th century only to become a marauding menace to colonial South America, all while dressed as a man. She escapes death, incredibly meets family members a world away, and achieves glory and worldwide fame before death! Holy shit!

This week Johnboy shares the bizarre and tragic saga of a cultish stable of “pups” who’s “master” led them to drastically alter their bodies to cartoonish levels any way he wanted - from their muscles to their testicles - ultimately leading the greater queer community to shun the group before a member lost his life in pursuit of their insane fetish goals!

Ken 'Tokyo Joe' Eto, a Japanese-American, rose from internment camps to the heights of organized crime in Chicago, running gambling operations and executing rivals. The podcast explores his extraordinary survival after a shooting, disassembling The Outfit, witness protection, loyalty, and power dynamics within the mob.

This week Johnboy shares a documentary about a Brooklyn cop who moonlighted as a ninja crime fighter and focused on youth outreach during the heyday of gang violence in New York! 

Alvin “Titanic” Thompson, a true American scoundrel, hustled his way through various contests using his card talent and trickery. From high-stakes pool games to golfing scams, his eccentric life includes encounters with mobsters, marrying young girls, and outrageous gambling habits.

This week Johnboy treats the lads to the tale of a rich boy of the Victorian era that fancied himself a thespian and paid his way onto stage,finding audiences that were so amused and revolted by how terrible and unconventional the performances were that he became an overnight sensation! But does he know what a laughing stock he’s turned into as he becomes the subject of satirical plays himself?

Hiro “Rocky” Aoki, Benihana founder, a successful immigrant story immersed in boat racing, gambling, backgammon, and women. The rise of Benihana, attracting celebrities like Muhammad Ali and Sean Connery. Aoki's interests in backgammon and speedboat racing, including a serious accident. Failed attempts at opening a seafood spin-off restaurant, involvement in other business ventures, and a lawsuit against Benihana. The success and influence of Steve Aoki, founder of Dim Mak Records. Conan the Barbarian movie and its connection to the sword and sorcery subgenre. An exclusive nightclub, Japanese humor, and a joyful birthday wish.

This week Matt brings us the story of Canada Lee, a gifted black child musician who abandoned the violin to become a jockey and then a pro boxer before ultimately turning to acting and becoming a pioneer in the art form alongside Orson Welles!

This week the boys submerge into the topical history of submarines with a look at the CSS Hunley, the craft used in the only successful submarine attack of the civil war - but it’s flawed design killed more working and testing the craft than Northern enemies and it’s designer would go on to the world of bomb makers and con men before mysteriously dying and reappearing in another scam!